Former NRL player Josh McGuire will stand trial for accusations of assaulting and strangling a child.

The ex-Dragons, Cowboys and Broncos prop faced Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday for a hearing, according to fresh reports from AAP.

McGuire has been charged with allegedly choking and strangulation of a child, as well as common assault in an incident in Brisbane in November.

Magistrate Belinda Merrin has described the alleged charges as “extremely serious assault” on the child.

It is understood there were 13 witness statements submitted at the hearing, with one witness being called up.

The witness said they communicated with the child through a video call on the day of the alleged incident.

What position will Josh McGuire play in 2019?
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 24: Josh McGuire of the Maroons watches the big screen after a Blues penalty try was awarded during game two of the State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at ANZ Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

McGuire played 259 NRL games across his career, spanning from 2009 to 2022, playing the majority of his playing time for Brisbane before short stints at the Cowboys and St George.

The former player represented the Queensland Maroons in State of Origin 14 times during his career and was considered one of the premier enforcers during his playing years at the Broncos.

He also donned the Australian jersey on eight occasions, while also representing his Samoan heritage on the Test level seven times.