Warrington Wolves' Josh McGuire hit with 12-game ban for "unacceptable language"

06 June 2023 , 21:14

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Warrington Wolves' Josh McGuire in action against St Helens (Image: PA)

Controversial Warrington forward Josh McGuire has copped a huge 12-game ban - his second massive suspension this season.

The ex-Australia star, 33, was found guilty at an operational rules tribunal of using "unacceptable language" in last month’s loss against Leigh and was also hit with a £1,000 fine. He had already been suspended for seven games for the same charge after being red carded - also against Leigh - on his Warrington debut in a pre-season friendly. That meant McGuire, one of Daryl Powell’s big NRL recruits for 2023, couldn’t make his Super League bow until April.

Indeed, the former Queensland State of Origin prop has only played seven games for joint-leaders Wolves. But he will now be out of action for most of the campaign with huge question marks over his future at the club following such a wretched disciplinary record.

McGuire, who played in Australia's 2017 World Cup final win over England, had a bad boy reputation Down Under following a string of charges and bans during his chequered NRL career with Brisbane, North Queensland and St George. He made the move over to Super League after signing a two-year deal with Warrington but hit problems from the off following his explosive debut against Leigh in February that led to his first big suspension.

In both instances, he pleaded not guilty, the first one being in relation to using unacceptable language around disability discrimination to an oppponent. Tonight's tribunal findings have not yet been released.

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Meanwhile, also at this evening's tribunal, St Helens prop Alex Walmsley has successfully challenged a Grade B high tackle charge arising from Sunday’s fixture against Huddersfield Giants in Newcastle. The Operational Rules Tribunal accepted his plea of not guilty.

David Craven