NRL star Luciano Leilua will fight domestic violence charges at a hearing next year but is facing the prospect of missing the start of the 2023 season.
The North Queensland Cowboy on Tuesday faced Campbelltown Local Court where he pleaded not guilty to two charges and is set to face a hearing next year.
His solicitor Ali El-Darwich entered pleas of not guilty to charges of common assault and destroying or damaging property.
His lawyer last week told a court that he was pressing for the charges to be dropped after the back-rower’s career was put on hold as a result of being stood down by the NRL.
Mr Leilua will fight the charges at a hearing at Campbelltown Local Court on May 18 next year.
Police said they were called to a Harrington Park home on October 3 after receiving reports of a woman being assaulted.
“Officers from Narellan Police Area Command attended and were told a 26-year-old woman had allegedly been assaulted by a man known to her,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“It’s further alleged the man smashed her phone after assaulting her.”
Mr Leilua was earlier this month stood down under the NRL’s no-fault policy, which prohibits players from taking the field until their court matters are finalised.
He was also rubbed out of Samoa’s World Cup squad.
“The decision should in no way be interpreted as a view on the innocence or guilt of the player,” the NRL said in a statement.
“The discretionary no-fault stand-down condition has been applied in this instance as the criminal charges involve allegations that the player has acted violently in relation to a female.
“Under the condition, the player is not permitted to participate as a player in the NRL competition or any representative competitions.”
