Josh McGuire handed one of the longest ever Super League bans for unacceptable language

Warrington forward Josh McGuire has been found guilty of unacceptable language for the second time this year following a tribunal on Tuesday evening. 

McGuire, 33, missed the opening seven rounds of Super League after he was found guilty of the same charge during pre-season against Leigh.

It meant he had to wait until April to make his first competitive appearance for the Wire, marking his debut against Catalans in Perpignan in the 20-14 victory.

The ex-Queensland representative has once again been hit with a lengthy ban after being found guilty against the same opponents in Adrian Lam’s Leopards in Round 13 at the Leigh Sports Village.

He was charged with a Grade F by the match review panel for alleged comments at opposition winger Josh Charnley.

And he has now received a massive 12-match ban for the incident, ruling him out for the majority remainder of the season.

It would take McGuire’s total suspension to 19 games in his debut season in England.

Josh McGuire handed huge 12-match ban

A statement on Tuesday night read: “Josh McGuire of Warrington Wolves has been suspended for 12 matches and fined £1,000 after being found guilty of a Grade F charge of unacceptable language in the Super League fixture at Leigh Leopards on May 26.

“McGuire, who pleaded not guilty, has already served a seven-match suspension this season after being found guilty of a Grade F charge of unacceptable language in Warrington’s pre-season fixture against Leigh in February.

“On that occasion, he was also fined £1,000, and required to undertake mandatory education.

“The independent operational rules tribunal was chaired by His Honour Judge John Thackray QC, with two former professional players as side members.”

McGuire arrived as a major signing from St George Illawarra ahead of the 2023 campaign, but the latest suspension could mark the end of his Warrington, and perhaps entire, career.

The ex-Australia and Samoa international made 259 NRL appearances, and has been limited to just seven under Daryl Powell at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

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