David Klemmer is set to be rushed into the NSW camp for the State of Origin decider on Wednesday morning, after Tariq Sims' devastating night at the NRL judiciary.
Sims was suspended for one game, after being found guilty of dangerous contact on North Queensland star Michael Morgan last Friday.
The three-man panel of Mal Cochrane, Bob Lindner and Dallas Johnson took almost an hour to give their verdict in a hearing that lasted two-and-a-half hours.
A heartbroken Sims offered a short statement afterwards.
"Obviously not a great outcome for myself, but I'd just like to thank the panel for their time," Sims said afterwards.
"Obviously, it's a bit of an emotional time for myself, so I'm just going to take time away now, and just be with my family and daughters."
The 29-year-old will also be unable to play in St George Illawarra's match against Melbourne on Thursday, because he was not included in their line-up on Tuesday.
The Dragons were unable to name their left back-rower due to his selection for the Blues, meaning his next game will be against Canberra on Sunday week.
Sims initially faced a three-game suspension for his grade-two charge, but he could've escaped a ban, if he downgraded to a grade one.
He instead gambled on getting off the charge entirely and lost.
Once the panel found Sims guilty, the Dragons successfully downgraded the charge to a grade-one, freeing him to take on the Raiders in round 17.
Klemmer's likely inclusion comes after his shock omission from the NSW team on game night, after successfully returning from a wrist injury on Sunday.
The Newcastle star was one of their best in their win over Brisbane, producing a game-high 210 metres and 34 tackles without missing.
Blues coach Brad Fittler may opt to insert Klemmer into the run-on side, with Knights teammate Daniel Saifiti slated to wear the number-eight jersey.
AAP
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