Canberra Raiders star Jack Wighton will fight allegations he assaulted at least four people during a night out earlier this year.
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The Raiders reaffirmed their support for the Canberra fullback, stating they will continue to select him until the conclusion of his court proceedings.
Wighton, 25, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning where he pleaded not guilty to three charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, five counts of common assault, and public urination.
The maximum penalty for assault occasioning actual bodily harm is a five-year jail sentence.
The court heard Wighton has been accused of assaulting at least four people in Civic on February 3.
However, the exact number of people allegedly assaulted could actually be as high as six, as three of the common assault charges read out in court referred to an unknown male.
It is unknown whether the charges relate to three assaults on one person, or separate assaults on three individuals.
No statement of facts or footage was tendered in court and the defence complained it had not yet been served with the prosecution brief.
Wighton was accompanied by Raiders coach Ricky Stuart during the brief appearance before Magistrate Karen Fryar.
Ms Fryar listed the case for hearing on July 10 - four days before the Raiders play the North Queensland Cowboys in round 18 at Canberra Stadium.
Wighton will continue to train with the club and will be available for selection until at least the end of his hearing.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart told Fairfax Media on Tuesday he would leave the decision about whether Wighton plays in their crucial round-six clash against the Parramatta Eels at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night to the player.
"The club will allow Wighton to continue to train and play with the club during this period," the Raiders' statement said.
"As the matter is before the court the Raiders will not be making any further comment on the issue.
"The Raiders continue to work with the NRL integrity unit and have informed them of the latest developments."
The court heard the hearing was expected to take one day and would include CCTV footage of the alleged incident.
Outside court, Wighton declined to comment when questioned by reporters.
