Former rugby league star Jarryd Hayne has appeared in a Newcastle court pleading not guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual intercourse of a woman.
Police allege Hayne had sex with a Newcastle woman without her consent resulting in actual bodily harm, on the night of the National Rugby League grand final last year.
It is alleged Hayne formed a friendship with the woman on social media, with Hayne travelling to the woman’s home in Newcastle.
Police believe he was there for two hours.
The charge of aggravated rape carries a maximum jail sentence of 20 years.
Hayne remains on bail and will fly to Perth after being given permission to attend a Christian Missionary School.