RL rep jerseys not McGuire's focus

Brisbane prop Josh McGuire is considered a Queensland selection chance and Kangaroos bolter but rep jerseys will be the last thing on his mind on Anzac Day

A Queensland jersey beckons Josh McGuire ahead of Brisbane's NRL clash with Parramatta on Saturday night.

Maybe even a shock Kangaroos call-up on Sunday night.

But the Brisbane prop's thoughts will turn to someone who will not only be barracking for the Eels this weekend but is also a passionate NSW Blues fan.

Josh McGuire's father Adam admitted even if his son earned a Maroons debut this year - as expected - he would not change his Origin allegiance.

"There's only one colour and that is blue," NSW-bred Adam McGuire said on Thursday.

But Josh McGuire is willing to cut his father some slack - especially on Anzac Day.

A veteran of almost 30 years military service, Adam McGuire has always been his son's hero - more so on what looms as an emotional day for their family.

Even if his father will be booing the Broncos from the stands.

"He's a NSW fan but he will be proud of me no matter what, he just gives me crap whenever he can," Josh McGuire said.

"He'd probably had six or 12 beers by then (kick-off).

"But he's coming along and it's always an emotional day for our family who have lost a lot of friends and family to the tragedies of war.

"It (representative jerseys) will be the last thing I will be thinking about on Anzac Day - if you can't get up on that day you should give it away."

McGuire may be a bolter on Sunday night when Kangaroos coach Tim Sheens names his squad for the May 1 trans-Tasman Test.

But he is more certain to get a debut nod for the May 27 opening Origin clash after public support from Queensland coach Mal Meninga and Broncos master mentor Wayne Bennett.

For the record, father-of-six boys Adam McGuire hopes his oldest son does run out in maroon this year.

"But I will still be going for the other team," he said.

"I have been a very passionate Blues and Eels supporter all my life.

"We've had some running battles for many years. I have got three boys born in NSW and their mum goes for Queensland."

Adam McGuire last served in Afghanistan in 2012.

"He didn't tell us too many stories growing up, he wanted to keep it separate from us and not worry us," Josh McGuire said.

"But it is very humbling what he has done for the country and makes you realise how precious Anzac Day is."


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Source: AAP


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