NRL: Stewart faces commital hearing

SYDNEY - Manly rugby league fullback Brett Stewart, who is accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl, will face a committal hearing next year.

Stewart, 24, is charged with having sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old girl without her consent on the night of March 6 at North Manly, after the NRL club's season launch.

The Australian and NSW representative is also charged with assault with an act of indecency, namely that he "forced his tongue into her mouth".

Stewart has pleaded not guilty to both charges.

In the Downing Centre Local Court on Monday, Magistrate Jane Culver set down a one-day committal hearing for February 4, to determine whether Stewart should face trial.

His matter will also be mentioned in the same court on October 19.

- AAP