WARRINGTON Wolves have been rocked by the news that Josh McGuire has been handed the most serious of disciplinary charges following his red card in Ben Currie’s Testimonial match.

The Australian forward and Leigh Leopards’ Tom Amone have been handed charges of unacceptable language rated at Grade F – the highest the RFL’s disciplinary system goes.

As it stands, both players are facing lengthy bans and could miss around a quarter of the Super League season.

Here’s what we know so far…

What happened?

As Peter Mata’utia lined up the conversion following Warrington’s final try in Saturday’s 22-10 win over Leigh Centurions, a verbal exchange took place between McGuire and a Leigh player – now confirmed to be prop Amone.

McGuire was then shown a red card by match referee Marcus Griffiths but Amone received no on-field punishment.

What have McGuire and Amone been charged with?

The minutes from today’s Match Review Panel state both players 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.”

What happens now?

McGuire and Amone have not been given a set period of suspension as Grade F charges are automatically referred to an independent Operational Rules Tribunal.

The case will be heard on Tuesday – two days before The Wire’s Round One clash with Leeds Rhinos.

How many games could McGuire miss?

Under changes adopted by the RFL for 2023, the suspension ranges for all grades of disciplinary charges have been relaxed for this year.

A Grade F charge constitutes either a minimum ban of six matches or “a period of suspension with a fine.”

If McGuire is found guilty and given the minimum ban, the earliest he would be able to make his Super League debut would be the Round Seven home game against Hull FC on April 1.

Can McGuire’s ban be appealed?

Given their seriousness, Grade F charges work differently to others in terms of the appeal process.

Both players will now have to appear in person before the Operational Rules Tribunal hearing on Tuesday, where any case can be made in their defence.

It is understood Warrington Wolves are keen to contest the charge.