The Canberra Raiders have suffered another significant setback in their push for an NRL finals berth, with hooker Owen Pattie facing suspension following a Match Review Committee charge.

Pattie was cited for a grade-two dangerous contact offence after tackling South Sydney forward Keaon Koloamatangi high and maintaining a headlock during the tackle.

An early guilty plea would see Pattie miss next weekend's match against the Wests Tigers, while unsuccessfully challenging the charge would increase the suspension to two matches.

The timing is particularly damaging as Canberra has won three consecutive games and likely needs to win at least five of its remaining six fixtures to qualify for the finals.Pattie has been one of the Raiders' standout performers in recent weeks, producing strong attacking displays and solid defensive efforts.The club is already dealing with the season-ending Achilles injury suffered by star forward Hudson Young, creating further pressure on the squad.

Five-eighth Ethan Strange was also charged but is only facing a monetary penalty for a careless high tackle, while South Sydney's David Fifita received the same grade-two dangerous contact charge for an incident involving Young.

Coach Ricky Stuart now has several options to reshuffle his forward pack, with players including Simi Sasagi, Zac Hosking, Ata Mariota and Joe Roddy capable of filling Young's position.If Pattie is suspended, Tom Starling is expected to start at hooker with Jayden Brailey likely joining the interchange bench.Raiders winger Jed Stuart acknowledged Young's importance to the side, describing him as a special talent whose absence will be keenly felt.

Canberra now turns its attention to a crucial clash against the Wests Tigers, knowing consistent 80-minute performances will be essential if the club is to keep its finals hopes alive.