Panthers forward Viliame Kikau has been charged with a grade one shoulder charge following Friday night's demolition of the Dragons.

The charge arises from a tackle on Dragons playmaker Darren Nicholls, which also saw Kikau sent to the sin bin.

The on-field referees deemed the tackle late but did not rule it to be a shoulder charge.

SEE THE TACKLE IN THE VIDEO BELOW.

Viliame Kikau charged for hit on Darren Nicholls

Kikau faces a one-week ban with the early guilty plea, while an unsuccessful trip to the NRL Judiciary will see the 24-year-old Fijian miss two matches.

Panthers has until 12pm Sunday to determine whether it will fight the charge.