Warrington set to contest Josh McGuire ban charge as strongman attempt revealed
Warrington are preparing to contest the charge handed down to new signing Josh McGuire which sees him facing a six-match ban.
McGuire, 32, saw red in the pre-season friendly win over Leigh, and he and Leopards forward Tom Amone have received Grade F charges of using unacceptable language in the game.
That means both have been referred to independent Operational Rules Tribunal hearings next Tuesday, just two days before the Super League kick-off.
The Wolves can ill-afford to lose the former St George-Illawarra Dragons forward, especially with fellow new signing Gil Dudson ruled out for at least a month with a broken hand.
The minutes from the RFL’s disciplinary Match Review Panel state both McGuire and Amone, who received no on-field punishment, have been found to have contravened Law 15.1.
They say the charge relates to “verbal abuse based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual preference, disability, national or ethnic origin or any other form of unacceptable behaviour or language.”
Due to the seriousness of the charge, both players have to appear in person at the tribunal hearing, where clubs can make a case in their defence.
A Grade F charge carries a minimum six-match ban, or a period of suspension with a fine.
Warrington will likely have to name the 21-man squad for their opener against Leeds on Thursday before they even know the outcome of McGuire’s hearing.
McGuire was present with coach Daryl Powell at Super League’s launch event in Manchester on Thursday.
Immediately after the game last Saturday, Powell said: “He said something, I don’t know what exactly. I need to find out what that was and try and get to the bottom of that. I don’t have any evidence of what’s been said.”
MORE: Josh McGuire and Tom Amone referred to tribunal for unacceptable language
World record attempt
One man who definitely will be performing at the Super League season opener is the UK’s Strongest Man champion, Paul Smith.
Smith will undertake a Strongman World Record attempt at half time at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. He will attempt a ‘farmer’s walk’ carrying two 150kg decommissioned gas bottles, filled with steel and water, over 56 metres on Thursday.
He is hoping to beat a record that has stood since 2004, achieved by Ulster Strongest Man Francis Kirby.
Yorkshireman Smith will return to the Halliwell Jones Stadium in August when England’s Strongest Man will be held there for the second consecutive year.
Smith said: “It’s a tough record to beat but it’s one I’ve been desperate to have a go at for years.
“It’s a record that’s stood since 2004 and there’s many top names who have tried and failed over the years to break it.
“Hopefully the big crowd will carry me through to the end. I’ve always had a big interest in rugby and used to follow Leeds quite a bit – which perhaps I shouldn’t say around these parts! I can’t wait now for next Thursday night.”
Rock band The Lathums are due to perform prior to the match between Warrington and Leeds on the same night, which kicks off the new Super League season live on Sky Sports.