Sam Burgess will risk a two-game NRL suspension and James Maloney will also try his luck at the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night ahead of crucial club games this weekend.

South Sydney captain Burgess will hope his grade-two careless high tackle charge is downgraded, while Penrith talisman Maloney will argue against a charge for tripping.

The presence of Burgess would be a huge boost, as the fourth-placed Rabbitohs test themselves against ladder leaders Melbourne.

Maloney wants one more finals campaign before heading to France next season but a third-straight defeat – against in-form Cronulla – could see them fall as low as 11th with four games to play.

Burgess found himself in familiar territory when reported for his high shot on Cronulla fullback Matt Moylan in the opening exchanges of their loss on Saturday.

He received little sympathy from unimpressed coach Wayne Bennett but will hope for a better reception on Tuesday night.

The controversial incident had come under further spotlight after the NRL admitted a technical glitch resulted in a belated head injury assessment for Moylan.

Maloney is paying the price for a third grade-one offence this season, which normally results in a four-figure fine.

NRL rules dictate that a third grade-one offence automatically turns into a 100 demerit points, not including loading for the prior incidents.

It is effectively a free shot for the NSW State of Origin hero, who was looking at a one-game ban whether he accepted the early guilty plea, or fights and loses.