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St George Illawarra's NRL finals hopes have hit another snag with Tariq Sims facing a ban for their crucial round 22 clash with Penrith.

St George Illawarra's bid to stay in the race for the NRL's top eight has taken another hit with Tariq Sims facing the prospect of being banned for their clash with Penrith.

Sims was charged with a grade one careless high tackle for his shot on Canberra winger Harley Smith-Shields on Friday night.

Sims would normally accept a fine for the charge, but given it is his third of the year that option is not available.

It means the NSW State of Origin second-rower will only be able to face the Panthers next weekend if he takes the case to the judiciary and is found not guilty.

The Dragons' season has spiralled out of control since their infamous and illegal barbecue that broke lockdown laws and the NRL's bubble.

They have lost all four games since with Paul Vaughan axed and 12 players serving separate one game bans - dropping from seventh to 11th on the ladder.

Anthony Griffin's men would likely need to win all four of their remaining games to make the finals, including games against the Panthers, Sydney Roosters and South Sydney.

St George Illawarra are without Ben Hunt (broken arm) for the final month of the regular season.

In better news for the Dragons, star centre Zac Lomax can accept a fine for his high tackle on Jack Wighton.

Canberra's Jordan Rapana and South Sydney's Taane Milne can also accept fines for foul play.

Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell was not charged for a high shot on Parramatta winger Maika Sivo.