Cronulla look almost certain to appeal the NRL match review committee's (MRC) decision to hit skipper Paul Gallen with a grade one dangerous contact charge.

Sharks management are privately seething at the sanctioning of Gallen for lashing out at Gold Coast's Beau Henry with his boot in Saturday's 20-16 defeat by the Titans, after Canberra's Josh Dugan escaped a similar charge.

The NSW State of Origin captain collected Henry with his boot as the Titans five-eighth clung on to his leg in an attempt to slow down a play-the-ball.

Gallen, who has been charged 15 times by the MRC in a 10-season career, will miss one week with an early guilty plea or an unsuccessful defence at the NRL judiciary.

The club believe they have nothing to lose by facing the judiciary panel on Wednesday, although a Sharks official insisted, when contacted by AAP, that a decision won't be made until midday (AEST) on Tuesday.

Dugan was placed on report for catching Newcastle's Matt Hilder on the forehead with his boot as he tried to play the ball in the Raiders' 40-8 loss to the Knights on Sunday.

However, the NSW fullback escaped being charged after the MRC backed Raiders coach David Furner's claim that Dugan's actions were not intentional, despite Hilder requiring stitches.

"We felt Dugan's action was accidental. The action was contributed to by Matt Hilder who, after he let go of him, grabbed him around the thigh," MRC chairman Greg McCallum told AAP.

"That's why when Dugan was trying to free himself, he jumps out of the tackle, or jumps out of the hold he had and his heel clips the forehead of Hilder.

"Had Hilder not re-grabbed him, then he would have been able to step out of that tackle and play the ball.

"I can't talk about Gallen but all I can say is we felt Dugan's was an accident and obviously, we don't have the same view about Gallen."

The committee also charged Canterbury hooker Joel Romelo with a grade one dangerous throw for a tackle on North Queensland's Tariq Sims during the Bulldogs' 14-6 victory at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.

He will miss one match with the early plea or an unsuccessful challenge at the judiciary.

High-flying Manly's hopes of winning a second premiership in four years have been dealt a blow with co-captain Jason King ruled out for the season with a torn pectoral muscle.

King suffered the injury in the early minutes of Sunday's 36-8 win over the Sydney Roosters at Brookvale Oval.

Sea Eagles coach Des Hasler said he was prepared for the news but admitted King would be a big loss to his side.

"Our club doctor Paul Bloomfield was adamant yesterday that the news was going to be what it is. I feel so sorry for Jason who is a heck of a person and an inspirational co-captain of the side," Hasler said.

"He will be missed but I am confident in the players who will now get an opportunity."

Ladder-leading Melbourne must do without experienced prop Adam Woolnough for up to three weeks after the former Newcastle man strained his Achilles against Penrith on Friday.

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