Cronulla five-eighth Greg Bird has been stood down indefinitely by the Sharks pending further investigation of an alleged assault at his apartment.
Sharks chief executive Tony Zappia said it was highly unlikely Bird would play again this season with the international pivot due in court on October 7.
A court heard earlier today that Bird allegedly tried to have a friend take the blame for smashing a glass into his girlfriend's face.
Bird was charged with assaulting Katie Milligan, 24, who suffered a fractured eye socket when she was allegedly hit in the face with a glass at Bird's Cronulla apartment yesterday morning.
Bird today faced a charge of maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm on Ms Milligan, who was due to undergo surgery for glass wounds to her eye, police said.
Sutherland Local Court was told today that, as Bird's friend Brent Watson was being questioned by police over the incident, Bird allegedly sent him a text message, saying: "My manager is helping me sort this shit out."
The court heard that Mr Watson was at Bankstown Golf Club the morning of the alleged incident.
The prosecutor, Matt Zalunardo, then said: "This places considerable doubt on the version of Mr Bird."
Police alleged in court that broken glass was found in the middle of Bird's queen-sized bed and that neighbours said they heard the couple arguing.
A bloody towel was also found at the apartment, police said.
The court heard that neighbours told police that Bird could be heard yelling, "Stop being a f---ing idiot."
Police said that, as the pair left the apartment, Ms Milligan asked: "Why did you do this to me?"
Police said that Bird replied: "I didn't do it" to which Ms Milligan responded: "Yes, you did."
Police alleged today that Bird had slapped Ms Milligan previously.
Mr Zalunardo, an acting sergeant, asked the court for bail not to be granted and said that the crime attracted a penalty of 25 years in prison.
"The accused person ... is actively trying to deceive police by inferring other people are involved in the matter and not being entirely truthful," Mr Zalunardo said.
But Mr Bird's lawyer, Les Nicholls, argued that the case was circumstantial and that Bird has strong ties to the community.
He said that the allegations would be strongly defended.
"The one point that I do agree with the learned sergeant is that facts before your honour are circumstantial," Mr Nicholls said.
He said that the victim would be protected by a provisional apprehended violence order.
Mr Nicholls added that Bird did not have a criminal record.
"There are significant factual disputes in relation to the matter," he said.
The magistrate, Beverley Schurr, granted bail, with strict conditions including that Bird could not contact Ms Milligan or Mr Watson.
Bird is to be released after securing $5000 in bail.
"If there is any breach of the bail conditions, Mr Bird can be arrested for that ... I note that this can be a long procedure and with any breach of bail he would spend a long time in custody," Ms Schurr said.
The matter will be heard for mention in the Downing Centre Local Court on October 8.
-with AAP