Cronulla captain Wade Graham has put himself at risk of a four-game ban after opting to front the NRL judiciary on Tuesday where he will fight a reckless high tackle charge.

The Sharks' NRL skipper was charged following Saturday's 27-18 loss to South Sydney.

The 32-year-old made contact with the head of Davvy Moale while trying to tackle the Rabbitohs prop in the second half.

Graham was sin-binned at the time and even South Sydney boss Jason Demetriou said the Cronulla veteran had no intent to hurt Moale.

Graham and the Sharks have opted to fight the charge and are likely to argue that it was careless rather than reckless.

If he is successful with that argument, it will shave some length off his three-game ban or even lead to his punishment being reduced to a fine depending on the grading.

But if he loses the appeal, Graham will miss Cronulla's next four games starting with this weekend's away trip to face Parramatta.