Knights' Barnett gets six-game NRL ban

Mitch Barnett has been handed a six-game NRL ban for his off-the-ball hit on Penrith's Chris Smith. (AAP)

Newcastle forward Mitch Barnett has been suspended for six games at the NRL judiciary for raising his forearm and collecting Penrith forward Chris Smith in an off-the-ball hit.

Barnett was sent off in the Knights' 38-20 loss to the Panthers in Bathurst on Saturday and was referred straight to the judiciary on a dangerous contact charge. He pleaded guilty.