By Alex Mitchell in Canberra

CANBERRA will be without Sebastian Kris for their NRL finals campaign after the utility back copped a hefty ban for an ugly spear tackle on Cronulla’s Sione Katoa.

Kris has accepted a five-game suspension for the incident in Sunday’s 24-6 loss to the Sharks, having been sent off in the 60th minute of the clash at PointsBet Stadium.

Raiders captain Elliott Whitehead accepted in his post-game press conference that Kris deserved to be marched for the tackle, although coach Ricky Stuart insisted he had not seen the incident.

Canberra face Newcastle on Sunday in an elimination final, with Kris joining gun props Josh Papali’i (bicep) and Corey Horsburgh (suspension) on the sidelines.

Horsburgh is out for another three weeks for a high shot on Brisbane’s Corey Jensen, although he would return for a theoretical grand final.

Kris, who played fullback for the majority of the season, switched to a wing in recent times due to the strong form of Jordan Rapana at No.1.

Winger Albert Hopoate has recovered from a recent rib injury and looks the likely replacement for Kris, having played 20 NRL games this season.

Stuart’s other options are James Schiller, who scored a double at NSW Cup level in his last outing, or exciting youngster Xavier Savage.

Sunday’s only other charge resulted in a fine for Canterbury’s Paul Alamoti over a careless high tackle on Gold Coast’s Klese Haas.
He can accept a $1000 fine with an early plea.