St George Illawarra are facing a big man crisis ahead of Friday night's trip to the Gold Coast with four first-choice forwards set to miss the NRL clash with the Titans.

Props Matt Prior and Jarrod Saffy and Kiwis Test backrower Jeremy Smith are all facing extended stints on the sidelines after failing to see out Friday night's big win over Brisbane.

The Dragons were still counting the cost of the 34-16 win on Monday with NSW Origin front rower Michael Weyman charged with grade one striking by the match review committee.

He is in line to miss one match whether he takes the early guilty plea or unsuccessfully fights the charge at the judiciary.

The club said it would wait until Tuesday before entering a plea.

While Weyman will definitely be available for the round six Anzac Day blockbuster against Sydney Roosters, Dragons coach Wayne Bennett will be without the other three for some time.

Smith and Prior were both diagnosed with strained posterior cruciate ligaments and will be out for 4-6 weeks while Saffy suffered a high ankle sprain and will be out for a similar period.

Offering some relief to Bennett is the expected return of Queensland Origin backrower Neville Costigan, who was expected to make his way back via the NSW Cup after off-season shoulder surgery.

Costigan is now likely to be rushed straight into the NRL side, while youngster Trent Merrin and former South Sydney prop Michael Greenfield will also be in line for call-ups.

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