Canberra Raiders skipper Simon Woolford will miss the 2004 NRL finals after receiving a two match ban for a downgraded careless high tackle charge at the judiciary.

Woolford initially faced a three game ban for the high shot on Souths' Ashley Harrison last weekend but successfully had the charge changed to a grade one careless high tackle.

But Woolford will still miss the Raiders' must win qualifying final against minor premiers the Sydney Roosters at Aussie Stadium on Sunday.

It is the second time Woolford has missed the finals due to suspension.

In 2000, Woolford copped a one match ban for a dangerous throw and watched helplessly from the grandstand as the Raiders were bundled out of the finals by the Roosters.

The Canberra hooker was on a high after the Raiders snatched the eighth and last finals berth from Cronulla and Wests Tigers on the weekend with a 62-22 win over South Sydney.

But Woolford's joy was short-lived due to the fortnight ban which ensures he will join fellow Canberra veterans Ruben Wiki and Luke Davico on the sidelines for the Roosters clash.

Harrison was concussed by the Woolford tackle in the first minute of the Raiders' victory and took no further part in the match.

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