The Sydney Roosters concede the loss of Kiwis prop Jared Waerea-Hargreaves for Saturday's qualifying final against Manly will hurt the National Rugby League minor premiers.
Waerea-Hargreaves is contesting a dangerous contact charge resulting from last week's minor premiership decider against South Sydney.
He faced a one-game suspension for the charge, thanks to carry-over points from a high tackle charge earlier in the season.
However the Roosters face the risk of adding carry-over points by challenging the charge.
If his appeal is unsuccessful, Waerea-Hargreaves will be saddled with 38 points that could allow the smallest of indiscretions during the finals series to attract a suspension.
