NRL: Ennis free to play, Pritchard facing one match ban

Michael Ennis of the Sharks passes during the NRL Elimination Final match against the Rabbitohs. Photo/Getty.

Cronulla hooker Michael Ennis is free to play in Saturday night's semi-final against North Queensland after being charged with only a grade-one high tackle in Sunday's win over South Sydney.

The NRL match review committee pinged Ennis for his 69th-minute shot on Rabbitohs forward Chris McQueen, but an early guilty plea will allow the former Canterbury rake to take the field in the do-or-die contest against the Cowboys in Townsville.

"Very relieved, obviously. Great news, really looking forward to Saturday night now. A massive opportunity for the club," Ennis said at North Cronulla Surf Club today.

Meanwhile, Canterbury forward Frank Pritchard is set to miss Friday's NRL semi-final against Sydney Roosters after being charged by the match review committee.

Pritchard is facing a one-match ban unless he successfully contests his charge for kneeing St George Illawarra five-eighth Gareth Widdop in the back when contesting the ball in Saturday's elimination final victory. He would have escaped a ban except for carryover points he has already accrued.