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Crazy scenes as magpie chases rugby league player off field

A junior rugby league player is pictured fending off a rogue magpie in a screenshot from a viral social media clip.
A junior rugby league player was forced to deal with a rogue magpie that targeted him during a match in Parkes over the weekend. Picture: Reddit

Spring has sprung, and tis the season for bird and man to once again engage in seasonal warfare.

A junior rugby league player copped the unfortunate brunt of the bird world’s opening salvo, with a persistent magpie singling the young player out in the middle of the field in a video posted to social media over the weekend.

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Reportedly filmed during a match contested by the Parkes Spacemen, vision shows winger Jack Skinner being absolutely hounded by the rogue magpie while the game goes on.

The youngster initially tried to fend off his winged assailant, before a trainer eventually came to bring him from the field - much to the amusement of the man filming.

‘Poor bugger’ the man chuckled as the Parkes player took a seat on the sidelines - finally safe from aerial attack.

No word yet as to the fate of the magpie in question - but depending which way you look at it, it could be one of the biggest home-ground advantages going if it happens again.

North Queensland bracing for NRL judiciary setback

North Queensland's chances of halting Penrith's winning run have got even slimmer with Josh McGuire and John Asiata both facing suspension.

The Cowboys' forward pair have been charged by the NRL judiciary for separate offences in Sunday's heavy loss to Melbourne.

McGuire is facing a one-game sanction after being charged with a grade-one contrary conduct offence towards referee Grant Atkins early in the 36-20 loss.

The Queensland State of Origin representative was sent to the sin bin for dissent after mouthing off to Atkins in the seventh minute following a play-the-ball.

North Queensland's Josh McGuire is facing a serious charge from the NRL Judiciary. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
North Queensland's Josh McGuire is facing a serious charge from the NRL Judiciary. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

McGuire's poor behaviour record means he'd face a two-game ban if he contests the charge and loses, with carryover points to be added, while he'll be banned for Friday's clash with the Panthers with an early guilty plea.

Asiata is also set for a spell on the sidelines, charged with a grade-two dangerous contact offence on young Storm forward Tino Faasuamaleaui in the 29th minute of the match.

The 27-year-old will miss one game with an early plea or two matches if he contests the charge and loses.

The pair's absence would be a setback for interim Cowboys coach Josh Hannay with ladder-leaders Penrith heading to Townsville after wrapping up a top-two finish with a 20-2 win over Parramatta last week, their 13th victory in a row.