Panthers prop Sam McKendry will challenge the contrary conduct charge levelled against him for making contact with referee Jared Maxwell during Monday's win over the Roosters.
The club and McKendry sought legal advice in relation to the possibility of fighting the charge and on Wednesday morning elected to enter a plea of not guilty.
Should McKendry be found guilty at judiciary, he will receive a total of 150 penalty points and miss Sunday's showdown with the Sharks.
An early guilty plea would have also seen the Panthers prop miss the match, due in part to 41 carry-over points from a previous high tackle charge this season.
McKendry's hearing at the NRL Judiciary is scheduled for Wednesday night.
