Josh McGuire linked with fresh move following release from Warrington Wolves; ex-Queensland star potentially handed career lifeline

Josh McGuire could yet continue his playing career according to fresh reports after the ex-Queensland representative was released by Warrington Wolves.

McGuire, 33, made just seven appearances for the Super League side following his two-year deal from the NRL ahead of 2023.

He was released earlier this week by mutual agreement following his mammoth 12-match ban for unacceptable language.

The ex-Samoa and Australia international was found guilty for a Grade F charge after Leigh winger Josh Charnley reported the Warrington star for making a slur about a family member.

It was McGuire’s second lengthy ban in his debut season in England, having also been found guilty for unacceptable language during pre-season against Adrian Lam’s Leopards at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.

There had been speculation that McGuire could hang up the boots, with 10 matches still left to serve for his ban after missing games against Huddersfield and Wigan.

However, fresh reports from Treize Mondial say that the veteran forward could yet feature in the 2023/24 French Elite 1 campaign.

At least one club have contacted the utility forward, according to the story, with Super League bans having not previously counted in the French competition.

Why Josh McGuire can play through ban

Corey Norman was able to play through his suspension in the French Elite competition, having received a ban at the end of the 2022 Super League campaign with Toulouse for a Grade F charge of other contrary behaviour against Warrington.

The ex-NRL playmaker was placed on report by referee Chris Kendall after an allegation of inappropriate contact was made by then-Warrington forward Oliver Holmes

He missed fixtures against Wigan, Catalans, Hull and St Helens as Toulouse suffered relegation from Super League in just their first season in the top flight.

However, he was able to play immediately following his move to French Elite 1 outfit Lezignan, linking up with two-time NRL winner James Maloney and Papua New Guinea international James Segeyaro.

Having signed with London Broncos for the remainder of the 2023 Championship season, Norman is now serving the final matches of his suspension and is expected to make his debut against Batley at the end of June.

The French Elite competition has become home to a whole host of rugby league stars in recent years, with the likes of Morgan Escare, Jason Clark, Hakim Miloudi, Jason Baitieri, Joseph Paulo, Benjamin Jullien and Dean Whare having recently featured in the competition.

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