Rugby league legend Brad Fittler has hammered North Queensland veteran Josh McGuire for being sin-binned in the opening ten minutes of their clash yesterday against Melbourne.

The Cowboys led 4-0 when McGuire was sent from the field by referee Grant Atkins for dissent.

“They nailed the start, the perfect start, and then for their most experienced player -who has played over 220 games – to be sin-binned for foul language towards the referee is just pathetic really,” Fittler said on Channel Nine.

“Whatever chance they had, old Josh might’ve taken that away.”

Melbourne scored two tries while McGuire was off the field and eventually lost the game 36-20.