The Warriors are likely to lose forward Ukuma Ta'ai for two crucial games in the run to the NRL finals after he was charged with striking.

Ta'ai was on Monday been handed a grade two charge for allegedly striking Newcastle winger James McManus in the 35th minute of the 20-12 win at Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.

The Tonga international appeared to collect McManus with a swinging forearm as he fell on the former NSW representative while making a tackle.

Ta'ai will miss two of his side's final three regular season games, against Penrith and St George Illawarra, with either an early guilty plea or an unsuccessful challenge at the NRL judiciary.

The Warriors are a chance of forcing their way into the top four, thereby earning a home final in week one, after stumbles by North Queensland and the Dragons.

Two more charges arose out of the tough encounter in Auckland, with Knights hitman Joel Edwards and Warriors forward Ben Matulino both copping grade one careless high tackle charges.

Edwards was charged with a 29th minute shot on Feleti Mateo, and Matulino with a 56th tackle on Edwards.

Both will escape bans with either the early plea or an unsuccessful defence.

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