Jarryd Hayne To Plead Not Guilty To Alleged Sexual Assault

NRL player Jarryd Hayne intends to plead not guilty to the alleged sexual assault of a woman in NSW, his lawyer says.

Hayne, 30, was charged with aggravated sexual assault and inflicting actual bodily harm after he handed himself in to Ryde police station in November.

A woman claims she suffered injuries during a sexual encounter with Hayne in the Hunter Valley and that she had photographs to back up her story.

It's understood the alleged victim was interviewed by the NRL's integrity unit before the matter was referred to police.

Police allege the assault of the 26-year-old woman took place in a Hunter region home on September 30.

Hayne faced Burwood Local Court on Monday morning for his first appearance since being charged.

His lawyer said the rugby league star intends to plead not guilty to the charges.

The matter is due to return to Newcastle Local Court on February 13 but Hayne has been excused from appearing.

The one-time NFL player will remain on strict conditional bail.