The National Rugby League judiciary has come under fire for its decision to suspend Newcastle's Josh Perry, with players and officials claiming it's set a dangerous precedent.

But NRL chief executive David Gallop defended the judiciary against the accusations, saying all commissioner Jim Hall and the panel were searching for was consistency.

The Knights have sought leave to appeal the one week ban levelled against Perry for "raking and clawing" the face of Wests centre Terry Hill.

Judiciary chairman Greg Woods heard submissions from Alan Sullivan QC - for the Knights - and commissioner Jim Hall, but held his decision over until Friday morning.

That left the Knights frantically negotiating with the NRL to find out where they stood if the appeal was granted but could not be heard before the club's Saturday night clash with Melbourne.

It's understood the NRL will do everything it can to have an appeal - if granted - heard before then, but the club has the ability to apply to Woods to have the suspension held over if it can't be heard until next week.

The Knights would ask that Perry be allowed to play against the Storm pending the outcome of the appeal, and serve the suspension against South Sydney if it was upheld.

While all that was going on, players and officials were taking aim at the judiciary for their decision to suspend Perry for raking and clawing Hill's face.

Brisbane and Australian prop Shane Webcke said he couldn't understand how the judiciary worked while Sydney Roosters captain Brad Fittler warned they'd opened a can of worms.

"I'm at a loss to understand how that judiciary works," said Webcke.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP