Leigh Leopards winger Josh Charnley has finally addressed the distressing incident involving former Warrington Wolves player Josh McGuire, which targeted Charnley’s disabled son. The incident, which occurred during a pre-season match in 2023, has left a lasting impact on Charnley, who described the situation as “horrible.” McGuire was handed a significant punishment after the confrontation, receiving a seven-match ban for his conduct.
The altercation between the two players reportedly escalated when McGuire made offensive comments directed toward Charnley’s son, who has a disability. The incident took place during a heated pre-season clash, and McGuire’s actions were deemed serious enough for him to be charged with a Grade F offense, the highest level of disciplinary sanction in rugby league. The charge, labeled as “Unacceptable Language (Disability),” led to McGuire being suspended for the first seven games of the 2023 season.
For months, Charnley had remained silent on the matter, allowing the league’s disciplinary process to take its course. However, as time has passed, Charnley has decided to speak publicly about the toll the incident has taken on him and his family. He described McGuire’s actions as deeply upsetting, particularly because they targeted his son, who had no part in the game itself. For Charnley, the personal nature of the attack made the situation much more painful.
McGuire, who was playing for Warrington Wolves at the time of the incident, had recently joined the club after a successful career in both the NRL and Super League. Known for his aggressive style of play, McGuire’s reputation as a hard-hitting forward has often led to intense on-field confrontations, but this incident crossed a line, according to league officials. His behavior during the pre-season game against Leigh Leopards was widely condemned by the rugby league community, with many calling for stronger sanctions against players who engage in such conduct.
Despite the turmoil, Charnley has remained focused on his career with Leigh Leopards, continuing to perform at a high level throughout the 2023 season. He expressed that while the incident was difficult to move past, he has tried to stay professional and not let it affect his game. Charnley’s resilience in the face of such a personal attack has earned him widespread support from fans and fellow players alike.
The ban imposed on McGuire served as a reminder that the league is committed to addressing unacceptable behavior, particularly when it involves sensitive issues such as disability. The Rugby Football League (RFL) has taken a strong stance against offensive language, ensuring that incidents like this are handled with the seriousness they deserve.
As Charnley moves forward, he hopes to put the incident behind him and focus on his family and his career. However, the emotional scars from the incident remain, and his decision to finally break his silence underscores just how deeply affected he was by McGuire’s actions. For Charnley, the protection and well-being of his family will always come first, and he is determined to continue speaking out against any behavior that threatens those values.
