Blow for Warriors as Ford sidelined for crusher tackle

It is a massive blow for the injury-hit Kiwi outfit who are in a top-four battle with reigning premiers Penrith.

Should Ford choose to contest the charge at the judiciary and lose, that ban would extend to the Warriors' opening game of the finals series.

Andrew Webster's charges have only just regained fourth position on the ladder after the Panthers suffered a 22-18 loss to Melbourne on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, Canterbury's Sam Hughes has avoided a ban but has been fined $1,800 for his high shot on Sydney Roosters' Billy Smith in their 32-12 loss on Friday.

Smith, meanwhile, escaped sanction after being put on report for a cannon ball tackle on Hughes earlier in the match.