Former NRL star Josh McGuire has been committed to stand trial after being accused of strangling a child, an offence a magistrate described as “extremely serious”.

The former Queensland State of Origin forward and Samoa international was backed by family members and supporters when he appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday.

McGuire is charged with choking, suffocation or strangulation against a child as well as common assault against a child on November 21 at a Brisbane residence.

The 36-year-old is on bail and arrived at court for his committal hearing wearing glasses and a dark suit without a tie.

Magistrate Belinda Merrin said the charges alleged an “extremely serious assault” that left marks on the child.

“There is evidence which is consistent with the allegation of choking, namely markings to the complainant child’s neck, (the child’s) immediate demeanour consistent with there having been something very upsetting having occurred,” she said.

Crown prosecutor Mitchell Whelan submitted 13 witness statements and called one witness.

The witness, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she had contact with the child via a video call on the afternoon of the alleged assault.

After the defence conceded there was a prima facie case, McGuire was committed to stand trial in Brisbane District Court.

A trial date has not been set.

Asked if he wanted to enter a plea or say anything in response, McGuire said: “No, Your Honour”.

McGuire declined to comment as he left the court building flanked by his supporters.

The former backrower played 259 NRL games over 15 seasons.

He played the bulk of his career at Brisbane after making his NRL debut with the Broncos in 2009.

He also enjoyed stints at North Queensland and St George Illawarra before leaving for the United Kingdom.

He earned 14 Origin caps for Queensland and played Tests for Samoa and Australia before finishing his career in the UK Super League for Warrington in 2023.

-AAP