Round 16 charges

Sydney Roosters centre Ryan Cross is facing a possible lengthy ban after his contrary conduct charge over an alleged eye gouge incident was referred straight to the NRL judiciary today.

Cross was charged after his hand appeared to rake over Parramatta second rower Glenn Morrison's face early in Friday night's clash at Aussie Stadium, causing him to complain to the referee.

In a major blow to the NSW squad, Blues second Nathan Hindmarsh is in danger of missing the deciding State of Origin clash after he was charged with making a grapple tackle on Roosters forward Adrian Morley.

A total of five players were charged from Friday night's clash between the Roosters and the Eels, with Morley facing a possible three week ban for knee-lifting.

Morrison was also hit with a grade one careless high tackle charge, but will escape suspension, as will Eels teammate John Morris if he takes the early plea over a grapple tackle on Craig Fitzgibbon.

In the third grapple tackle charge of the round, Melbourne forward Ryan Hoffman could be out for four matches after he was hit with a grade three contrary conduct charge.