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AUS v BAN live on SN ExtraFormer NRL star to face trial on child assault charges
Rex Martinich, AAP • August 13th, 2026 3:08 pm
Josh McGuire had a long and successful rugby league career before retiring in 2023 | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
Former NRL star Josh McGuire will stand trial accused of assaulting and strangling a child.
The former Queensland State of Origin forward and Samoa international faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday for a committal hearing.
McGuire, who is on bail, is charged with choking, suffocation or strangulation against a child as well as common assault against a child on November 21 at a Brisbane residence.
Magistrate Belinda Merrin said the charges alleged an "extremely serious assault" that left marks on the child.
The former Brisbane Broncos forward said little in court on Thursday | Photo: Darren England/AAP
Crown prosecutor Mitchell Whelan submitted 13 witness statements and called one witness.
The witness, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she had contact with the child via a video call on the afternoon of the alleged assault.
After the defence conceded there was a prima facie case, McGuire, 36, was committed to stand trial in Brisbane District Court.
A trial date has not been set.
Asked if he wanted to enter a plea or say anything in response, McGuire said: "No, Your Honour".
McGuire played 259 NRL games over 15 seasons.
He began his career at the Brisbane Broncos in 2009 and also had stints at North Queensland and St George Illawarra.
He earned 14 Origin caps for Queensland and played Tests for Samoa and Australia before finishing his career in the UK Super League for Warrington in 2023.
