NEWCASTLE will be without Kade Snowden for Sunday's vital NRL clash against the high-flying Sydney Roosters after pleading guilty to a dangerous contact charge.

Snowden will miss two matches after taking the early plea, having been charged with running with a raised knee in Sunday's win over Penrith.

The former Test and NSW Origin prop collected Panthers back-rower Adam Docker in the head, Docker suffering a fractured cheekbone as a result of the hit.

The incident wasn't placed on report, infuriating Penrith coach Ivan Cleary.

Panthers prop Mose Masoe will also miss one game for his careless high tackle on Knights back-rower Robbie Rochow.

His absence will test the depth of the Penrith pack with props Nigel Plum (shoulder) and Sam McKendry (neck) already sidelined through injury.

Newcastle prop Snowden admitted Monday he naturally lifts his legs higher when he runs.

He said he felt sorry for Docker but said there was no malice in the knee lifting incident fractured that fractured Docker's cheekbone just three minutes into Sunday's game.

The incident wasn't picked up at the time by referees Ashley Klein or Adam Devcich but replays suggested Snowden had lifted his knee as the defence converged.

"I was running. I didn't do it on purpose," Snowden said.

"I feel sorry for him but that's just how I run. There'll probably be a few of them in a game that just miss. It was bad luck I got him with my knee.

"I didn't even know I did anything wrong. The way I run, I lift my legs a bit higher so I think he might have just got in the wrong position."

Prior to being charged, Snowden admitted he was concerned about the prospect of being suspended.

"I really don't want to miss any game so I'm pretty scared about that," he said.

"I'll just leave it in their hands and hopefully they'll see I didn't do it on purpose."

The almost certain loss of Snowden up front is a huge blow to the Knights chances of upsetting the Roosters.

Over the past two months, he has been one of the form front rowers in the game.

Knights utility Craig Gower admits the side faces a huge task with or without Snowden to stretch their winning run to four games when the two sides meet at Hunter Stadium.

"They (the Roosters) were devastating on the weekend," he said. "They've got a great pack. Michael Jennings is playing great football and their wingers are exceptional."