North Queensland's Braidon Burns has been offered a two-match ban by the judiciary for his high tackle which put his side a man-down with the match hanging in the balance at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.

Burns was sent to the sin bin after collecting Newcaste's Kalyn Ponga with under nine minutes on the clock with the Cowboys trailing by four points.

It proved disastrous for his side with the penalty aiding the Knights to cross over in the resulting set of six, confirming the 28-18 final score.

With Newcastle in their own half, Burns rushed in from the wing for what initially looked a well-time hit on the opposition fullback.

However was promptly reported and binned after made heavy direct contact with his shoulder, despite immediately seeing to Ponga's condition.

The error helped hand Newcastle their first NRL win in 252 days.

On Monday morning the judiciary offered Burns two matches on the sidelines, three if he was to unsuccessfully appeal the 'careless' grade two hit.

The Knights' triumph was set up by red hot starts to both halves, crossing over for two tries in quick succession in the opening stages of both 40 minute periods. The Cowboys had worked back to 12-all at half time, and responded again through Murray Taulagi.

Newcastle had their own issues when Fletcher Sharpe, who scored the season's first four pointer early in the contest, went off with a knee injury in the first half.

Later on Sunday afternoon, Australian time, Canterbury and St George played out an arm wrestle which went to extra time in Las Vegas.

Stephen Crichton finally split the difference with seconds remaining before a draw to cap a blockbuster start to the NRL season.