Former rugby league player Josh McGuire has been accused of committing serious offenses involving a child.

McGuire, who amassed nearly 200 games with the Brisbane Broncos before transitioning to the Cowboys and later the Dragons in 2021, was taken into custody by police and charged on Tuesday. He faces two charges, one of which is common assault.

The charges stem from a complaint filed with authorities, citing two alleged incidents that reportedly took place last week.

It is reported that these charges involve the alleged strangulation of a five-year-old child.

Throughout his career, McGuire has also made 14 appearances for the Queensland Maroons.

He was part of the 2017 Kangaroos World Cup-winning side before a brief stint in the Super League. He’s previously been an ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities and Mates4Mates, and returned to the Broncos in a coaching role 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.