Barrie McDermott says Josh McGuire ban is “harsh”

Barrie McDermott’s former club Leeds Rhinos begin the Super League season tonight against Warrington Wolves.

The Sky Sports pundit though believes the Wolves start the season under “enormous pressure.”

He said on Sky Sports: “There’s no doubt that Daryl Powell’s side start under enormous pressure. I can’t remember a side or a coach starting the year under so much pressure.

“It was a disastrous season for them last year, second from bottom they finished in 2022.”

McDermott underlined his excitement at Warrington’s transfer business and described the seven match ban for star signing Josh McGuire as “harsh.”

“They’ve brought a whole host of players in themselves. One of my favourite players is Josh McGuire and he’s picked up a seven-match ban in a pre-season friendly, a bit harsh if you ask me. A heated exchange between two players and he sits on the side line now until April.

“He’s going to be one of the most exciting players in the game, he’s a rough, tough and uncompromising player with a heart of gold who is going to embed himself in the town of Warrington, making a real impact in the sport and the competition.”

McGuire is the only World Cup winner in Super League at present but will sit out for a seven game ban after being found guilty of using “unacceptable language” discriminating against the disabled.