Josh McGuire ban: Warrington coach on the search for a replacement and appeal options
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Warrington will be without Josh McGuire for the next 12 weeks, and head coach Daryl Powell addressed the media for the first time on Wednesday since the decision.
The overseas recruit was found guilty of unacceptable language on Tuesday, resulting in one of the longest-ever bans in Super League during his debut season in England.
Head coach Powell remained coy on the topic during his weekly media duties, admitting that McGuire has the right to appeal the decision made by an independent tribunal on Tuesday evening.
“I won’t comment too much on it. Josh has the right to appeal,” Powell said.
“So it would be unfair to comment on it at all. He’s got the right to appeal and we’ll let that go through its due process.
“He’s pretty disappointed. I sat down with him this morning to discuss things and I spoke to Simon Moran last night who was asking how he was, and we obviously want to make sure he is OK.
“Our player welfare manager, Kylie Leuluai, has spent some time with him and will continue to do so.”
The head coach rejected to comment on McGuire’s future at the club, with reports suggesting the suspension could end his career early.
Warrington looking for possible Josh McGuire replacement
Powell, 57, admitted his side are ‘looking hard’ into recruitment on both sides of the globe, with back-rower Matty Nicholson also currently sidelined with a finger injury.
Joe Philbin picked up a knock during Magic Weekend, while Sam Kasiano is expected to return this week against Huddersfield at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
“We’ve been looking hard anyway for probably a middle unit forward. It makes it more important,” Powell added.
“The boys are battling hard at the moment in the middle and Paul Vaughan last week, he’s doing massive minutes and doing a great job.
“Ultimately, it’s something we need to address.
“There’s nothing close at the moment. We’ve had a look at a few options here and Australia as well.”
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