Kikau suspended after guilty verdict

Panthers forward Viliame Kikau will miss the club's upcoming Preliminary Final after being found guilty of a dangerous throw by the NRL Judiciary on Tuesday night.

The guilty verdict will see Kikau serve a one-game suspension, which is the same ban he would have received had he entered an early guilty plea to the charge.

"While I'm obviously disappointed with the outcome, I respect the decision of the NRL Judiciary," Kikau said.

"I'll now focus on doing everything I can at training to help the team prepare for the Preliminary Final."

Kikau's suspension potentially opens the door for Kurt Capewell to re-join the Panthers starting side, while Tyrone May and Billy Burns are also options in the back row.

The Panthers will face either the Eels or Rabbitohs in the Preliminary Final - 7.50pm Saturday 17 October at ANZ Stadium.