Former rugby league star Josh McGuire has been charged with serious offences against a child.

McGuire, a former Brisbane Bronco, St George Illawarra Dragons player and Australian representative, faces two charges, including one of common assault.

He was brought to the Brisbane watch house by police and charged after a complaint was made to investigators following two alleged incidents last week.

Josh McGuire played for the Brisbane Broncos, the St George Illawarra Dragons, and was an Australian representative.

Josh McGuire played for the Brisbane Broncos, the St George Illawarra Dragons, and was an Australian representative.

The charges relate to the alleged strangulation of a five-year-old.

Queensland Police confirmed they charged a 35-year-old Brighton man.

They said he was arrested and charged on Tuesday, following investigations by the Gateway Child Protection and Investigation Unit.

The forward played almost 200 games for the Brisbane Broncos before joining the Dragons in 2021.

He also played 14 State of Origin matches for the Maroons, and was part of the Kangaroos’ 2017 World Cup-winning side, before a brief stint in the Super League.

A former ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities and Mates4Mates, McGuire returned to the Broncos last year to join the coaching team as a contact and wrestling adviser.