Rugby league star Anthony Gelling has been charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm on his then girlfriend.
Gelling, 29, was suspended by Super League club Warrington Wolves after being arrested for the incident.
The centre appeared at Warrington Magistrates' Court today charged with inflicting GBH without intent on his partner, Toni Mackey, at an address in Cronton Lane Mews, Widnes, on Februart 6 this year.
Miss Mackey attended Whiston Hospital with "serious injuries" including a fractured eye socket, and the incident was reported to Cheshire Police on February 8.
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The Cook Islands international pleaded not guilty and the case was committed to Liverpool Crown Court, where he is due to appear next month on a date to be fixed.
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "Detectives have charged a 29-year-old man with grievous bodily harm.
"Anthony Gelling, of Cronton Lane Mews in Widnes, appeared at Warrington Magistrates Court today, Tuesday 28 July.
"The charge relates to an incident at an address on Cronton Lane Mews in Widnes on Thursday 6 February and subsequently reported to police on Saturday 8 February."
Gelling was allowed to play for Warrington against Hull FC in March, in the final game before the season was temporarily halted due to coronavirus.
The New Zealand born star has also played for Wigan Warriors, and was in the side that beat Warrington in the 2016 Super League Grand Final.
