Cameron Smith cops grapple tackle charge

Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith has become the second player to be charged with making a grapple tackle from the opening round of the NRL season.

Smith was hit with a grade one charge following an incident in the 30th minute of Monday night's 32-18 win over the New Zealand Warriors at Telstra Dome.

The Test and Queensland Origin rake can escape suspension with an early guilty plea, with a decision due by midday on Wednesday.

Parramatta five-eighth Feleti Mateo has pleaded guilty to his grapple tackle charge and will be free to take on the Warriors in Auckland on Sunday.

Wests Tigers prop Todd Payten will bid to clear his name at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night after he was charged with a grade two `crusher' tackle.

Payten will risk a three-match suspension by fighting the charge.

Warriors halfback Grant Rovelli is in no danger of missing the clash with the Eels despite being charged with a grade one careless high tackle.