Panthers prop James Tamou has copped a grade one contrary conduct charge for making contact with the head of Dylan Walker during Saturday's defeat to Manly at Panthers Stadium.

The charge attracts a monetary penalty only, meaning Tamou is free to play against New Zealand Warriors on Friday.

An early guilty plea will see Tamou slapped with a $1,100 fine, while the fine will be $1,500 if he is found guilty at the judiciary.

The news is some relief to Panthers given the club is digging deep into its reserves with front-rowers Reagan Campbell-Gillard (jaw), Sam McKendry (ACL) and Tim Browne (retirement) already unavailable.

It will be a new-look Panthers outfit that takes the field on Friday with James Maloney, Nathan Cleary and Tyrone Peachey away with the NSW Origin squad.