Woden Rams player Fonua Tonga, 24, of Queanbeyan, is accused of punching a Boomanulla Raiders player twice from behind during a trial match this year.

He was charged with recklessly inflicting grievous bodily harm after the incident was referred to the police.

Tonga maintained his plea of not guilty in the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Special Magistrate Maria Doogan committed him to the ACT Supreme Court to face trial.

Court documents said the teams met at Northbourne Oval on the afternoon of March 22.

The alleged victim and a Woden Rams player became involved in an altercation, with the Boomanulla player holding onto the other man's jersey.

Court documents said there had been no violence at that time and the situation had been under control.

But Tonga then allegedly punched the Boomanulla player twice from behind, with the blows landing on the man's right cheek and jaw.

The Boomanulla player was knocked to the ground where he began to bleed heavily.

He was taken to hospital with a broken jaw and broken and displaced nose.

Doctors surgically inserted a metal plate and screws to fix his jaw, and screws and spacers were temporarily fixed to his upper and lower gums to prevent his mouth opening.

Surgery also straightened his nose, but it is expected to require further reconstruction to correct damage to cartilage, court papers said.

Tonga was sent off by the match referee and his conduct reported to the league.

Police took statements from three match officials, and players and officials from both clubs.

The matter will appear in the higher court for directions this month.