The New Zealand Warriors will roll the dice at the National Rugby League (NRL) judiciary in a bid to save impressive new signing James Maloney from what could be a two-match ban.
Maloney faces a grade one dangerous throw charge after last weekend's 30-16 second round defeat of Cronulla.
He was jointly charged with Lewis Brown following their tackle on Anthony Tupou and although the Warriors entered an early guilty plea for the second rower, they will defend Maloney's charge tomorrow night.
Brown will miss Sunday's match against the Brisbane Broncos at Suncorp Stadium - Maloney will be available to continue at halfback if he beats the rap but if found guilty he will also miss the fourth round clash with Manly in Auckland.
If Maloney is ruled out, the Warriors will be denied their first choice halves combination as early as round three given Brett Seymour is already unavailable with a broken thumb sustained against the Gold Coast Titans.
However, coach Ivan Cleary does have several options to fill the playmaker role alongside five-eighth Joel Moon.
Utility Lance Hohaia could switch from fullback while hooker Aaron Heremia also has a background at halfback. The other alternatives are to promote Shaun Johnson or Isaac John from the under-20 side.
Maloney, an off-season acquisition from the Melbourne Storm, has been cited by the judiciary after both his matches for his new club.
He was charged with making dangerous contract with the kicker when clattering into Gold Coast playmaker Scott Prince but was able to play Cronulla after lodging an early guilty plea.
