The 2014 Kangaroos representative was charged by the match-review panel after Saturday’s 24-all draw with Canberra for a lifting tackle on Raiders lock Shaun Fensom.

The grade-one charge meant that, regardless of whether he took the early guilty plea or Matu’atia was convicted by the judiciary, he would still face a one-game ban.

His only hope of being available for Monday’s clash with the Warriors at Mount Smart Stadium was to argue his case and beat the rap.

Instead judiciary panelists Mal Cochrane, Bob Lindner and Chris McKenna upheld the charge, so the 19-year-old will not only have to serve a game on the sidelines but incur an additional 38 carry-over points.

The game against Canberra was Mata’utia’s first in the NRL since he received a one-game suspension in the last round of 2015 for contrary conduct against Penrith.

Mata’utia told the Fairfax Media after the hearing he had no complaints about the decision.

“We had a fair hearing,’’ he said. “I’m disappointed I have to miss a game but it’s part of the game and I’ve accepted it.

“I’m moving on now.’’

Knights football manager Darren Mooney thought Newcastle’s legal representative presented a strong case to have the charge dismissed.

“We thought it was worthwhile challenging it,’’ Mooney said.

“It wasn’t as if we were risking an extra week. Our argument was that Fensom was not placed in a dangerous position, but the judiciary ruled against us and we just have to accept that and prepare to play the Warriors without Sione.’’

Mata’utia’s absence on Monday leaves the Knights searching for a replacement. 

They already have a host of outside backs who have been sidelined with injuries, including Mata’utia’s brother Chanel (knee), Jake Mamo (ankle) and Akuila Uate (chest joint).

Knights coach Nathan Brown was hopeful earlier this week that Uate and Mamo might be available this week, but that is likely to depend on Thursday’s training session.

Meanwhile, former Knights coach Wayne Bennett is poised to re-sign with Brisbane for another two seasons.

Broncos CEO Paul White is personally brokering the extension reportedly worth $1.8 million that will keep Bennett at the club until the end of 2019.

"It is imminent," White said of an announcement on Wednesday.

Bennett, who coached Newcastle with mixed results from 2012 to 2014, had been expected to contemplate retirement at the end of his current deal in 2017.

But White said at 66 Bennett was showing no sign of slowing down. A new deal would put Bennett on track to become the first person to coach 800 NRL games.