Panthers playmaker James Maloney has failed in his attempt to avoid a one-match ban after being found guilty of tripping at an NRL Judiciary hearing on Tuesday night.
Maloney, who needed the charge dismissed in order to face Cronulla Sharks on Friday, argued that he extended his leg in an attempt to kick the ball rather than trip Bulldogs player Jeremy Marshall-King.
There was also a suggestion that Maloney's hand gripped Marshall-King before his leg made contact, which would negate the tripping charge.
The guilty verdict leaves Panthers coach Ivan Cleary with some big decisions to make ahead of Friday's game at Panthers Stadium.
Jarome Luai and Wayde Egan have been ruled out due to injury, while 18-year-old prop Spencer Leniu will make his NRL debut and 19-year-old Matt Burton has been named in the reserves.
NRL Teamlist: Round 21
