Josh McGuire, a former rugby league standout, is facing severe charges related to a child, police have confirmed.

The seasoned NRL player, known for his tenure with the Brisbane Broncos where he played nearly 200 games, later joined the Cowboys before signing with the Dragons in 2021. He was taken to the Brisbane Watchhouse and formally charged on Tuesday with two offenses, one of which includes common assault.

The charges against McGuire stem from a complaint filed by investigators concerning two incidents that allegedly occurred last week.

Reports suggest these charges are connected to the alleged strangulation of a five-year-old child.

During his career, McGuire represented the Queensland Maroons in 14 matches.

He was also a member of the 2017 Kangaroos squad that triumphed in the World Cup and had a brief career in the Super League. Beyond the field, McGuire has served as an ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities and Mates4Mates, and recently returned to the Broncos in a coaching capacity last year.

He finished up in that role earlier this year, and has been working in marketing. 

He’s expected to face Brisbane Magistrates Court on December 17.