STORM captain Cam Smith was yesterday charged with grade-one contrary conduct - unnecessary head/neck contact.

The charge attracts a base penalty of 125 demerit points, with each set of 100 points equating to a one-match suspension.

But with players entitled to a 25 per cent discount for an early guilty plea, Smith would be able to escape any ban if he did not have a previous judiciary record.

A grapple tackle on Warriors centre Brent Tate in round one brought the same charge and after pleading guilty Smith was able to continue playing. But he has had 93 carry-over points against his name since.

In addition, players charged with the same offence for which they had previously been found guilty receive a 50 per cent loading on their base penalty.

Therefore, Smith has accumulated 187 demerit points for the charge and, even with a 25 per cent discount for pleading guilty, the penalty is still 140 demerit points.

With the 93 carry-over points incurred early this season added on, he is facing a two-match ban - unless he successfully challenges the charge at tomorrow night's judiciary hearing.

In contrast, Jeremy Smith can accept a one-match ban for grade-one contrary conduct - unnecessary pressure to arm/shoulder, or risk a two-game suspension if he unsuccessfully challenges the charge at the tribunal.

Jeremy Smith also has carry-over points from a lifting tackle during last year's finals series but, because it is a non-similar offence, his charge attracts only a 20 per cent loading.

He has 67 carry-over points, which were due to expire in three days - meaning that if the charge had stemmed from an incident that occurred in Friday night's preliminary final against Cronulla, the Dragons-bound second-rower would be able to avoid missing a match by pleading guilty - a luxury he does not enjoy this week.