He denied saying the word, and even though there is only one independent witness I can see why the balance of probability fell against him. He probably would have been better just owning up and saying he screwed up in the heat of the moment.

However:



The same RFL whose CEO was caught making a targeted racial joke during a pre-World Cup publicity event. And who was let off the hook by making an apology.

Leading by example right there then?

Has McGuire apologised? Can’t really get a reduction on the grounds or remorse, without being remorseful.

I do agree though, can’t have idiots at the top. Need a ruthless and uncompromising media machine.

I’ve not seen an official statement from the club and/or McGuire yet. The disciplinary notes stated something along the lines of being clearly remorseful, but that remorse doesn’t excuse the action (something along those lines).

I guess the club had to wait to find out the verdict before making an apology, because McGuire’s defence was that he didn’t actually say it.

He's adamant he didn't say it, don't expect an apology

Sort of puts the club in an awkward position regards any statement. I guess they will condemn use of the word without actually mentioning their position on whether he said it.

Something should be put out though, then we can draw a line under it and move on having hopefully learned a lesson.

Have a read of the minutes, it's an eye opener

Yes I did.
Damming, because he evaded answering the key question.
‘What did you say?’

Turns out we don’t need him on the field anyhow.

Looking forward to having him as backup if we get an injury in round 8

I think by round 4/5 there will have been some forwards carrying knocks so Dudson can step in, and maybe a similar thing by round 8 so McGuire can step in.
If they are all fit though.... not sure how that would play out.

Joe Philbin due back quite soon too.

Correct, I heard March which I know gives a bit of leeway on a definite date, but the way that time is whizzing by it'll be here before we know it.

Looking at last night's pack performance, and we know all about injuries and suspensions, but the competition to get in the 17 should be hot

It's interesting how injuries and suspensions were mentioned for Leeds last night, but no mention of Dudson, Philbin, McGuire, Wrench and Russell for us. All of whom would have been in the squad. That said, I'm glad Thewlis had the chance to get that wing spot.

"Dudson, Philbin, McGuire, Wrench and Russell"

I don't necessarily disagree but which 5 would have missed put. Holroyd, Hayes and Whitehead presumably. Wrench ahead of Thewlis? I'm not sure Philbin makes it...yet.

Last night on Sky they was saying Bullock would likely of missed out had Dudson and McGuire been available, the way Bullock played last night can’t see how he gets dropped even ahead of Philbin.

Totally agree.

It's funny how we play the game of who plays if all are fit. In reality it very rarely happens. My main thoughts are who plays at right second row next week if we have no Nicholson.

I’m think they would have been in a first choice ‘squad’, but my point was about how Sky seemed to mention injuries for Leeds only. They were missing a couple of big guns and a couple of strike players. As were we.

I would have expected Powell of all people to at least raise our case a bit

is he going to appeal

The club have confirmed he won't.

Best not to let it drag on. The referee said he thought he heard it, Amone admitted hearing it under questioning, and Charnley (who was the player who complained to Griffiths on the field that he hadn't taken action on it) insisted he heard it.

The precedent has been set, so as long as every other incident is reported and punished in the same manner then that's fine. Whether this happens of course remains to be seen, but let's hope so.

A good point. I’d slot Holroyd in there and keep Harrison at 13.

I would leave Harrison at 13, he had a good game there against Leeds. We may see Matautia in the second row against Huddersfield with Minikin playing at centre, assuming that Nicholson is unable to play, with Holdroyd getting a bench spot.

Great, when we play Leigh what are the odds on Maguire going looking for Charnley for dobbing him in, especially when Charnley leg traps him Has any player ever missed all matches bar 1 due to suspension?

Well, we know McGuire is a fiery character. He’s also a very good player. It’s up to the player and Powell to work on controlling that aggression. Otherwise he’ll be a very expensive assistant coach.

26 may will be an interesting game then

Powell needs to announce to the media that McGuire is injured for the Leigh Away game (Unless he is already suspended for that fixture owing to another indiscretion!!! )