NRL: Sea Eagles in strife

Steve Matai of the Sea Eagles faces a ban despite an early guilty plea. Photo / Getty Images

Manly's preparations for Sunday's must-win qualifying final against St George Illawarra are in disarray after the NRL match review committee charged three Sea Eagles with high tackles.

Centre Steve Matai, prop Jason King and backrower Chris Bailey all have cases to answer, with both Matai and King facing bans even with early guilty pleas.

Matai was the hardest hit with a minimum seven-match ban for his grade-three reckless high tackle charge after an ugly hit on Canterbury hooker Michael Ennis at Brookvale Oval.