Cowboys forward avoids NRL high tackle ban

North Queensland's John Asiata has avoided suspension for a high shot on Manly's Brayden Wiliame during Monday's NRL clash in Townsville.

Asiata is charged with a grade-one careless high tackle from an incident during the first half of the Cowboys' 30-26 win over the Sea Eagles.

The back-rower will be free to play for the Cowboys in Sunday's game against South Sydney regardless of whether he pleads guilty to the charge.