NSW's euphoria at winning the State of Origin series was tempered when second rower Ben Kennedy was ruled out of the third game and Australia's Test match against New Zealand.

Kennedy was suspended by the Australian Rugby League judiciary for four matches on a grade one reckless high tackle after failing to have the charge downgraded at Thursday night's hearing.

However, his suspension was effectively extended to six matches after the judiciary decided the third Origin game and Test against New Zealand on July 25 would not count.

Kennedy would have been available for the Test if he had entered an early guilty plea, but the Knights instead attempted to have the charge lessened to a grade two careless high tackle.

The panel - made up of chairman Greg Woods, Ron Coote (NSW) and Kevin Brasch (Qld) - decided Kennedy could not include the Origin game or the Test in his suspension because he had not been picked in either side.

"It's very disappointing, mate," said Kennedy.

"I guess it's up to people to look at that tackle and see if it's worth missing four Newcastle games, a State of Origin jumper and possible selection for Australia.

"I didn't think it was too bad a tackle."

The Newcastle forward was charged after a tackle on Queensland prop Steve Price in the 25th minute of Wednesday night's interstate match at Telstra Stadium, won 27-4 by the Blues.

He will return for his club's round 21 game against Manly at EnergyAustralia Stadium in early August.

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