AAP
Canterbury Bulldogs player Reni Maitua will fight an assault charge against him and wants it dealt with under mental health legislation, with his lawyer saying he is currently "not too good".
The day after fellow NRL player Russell Packer was jailed for two years for assault, Maitua faced Waverley Local Court charged with assaulting a taxi driver in November.
Pleading not guilty to one count of common assault, his lawyer Danny Eid said he would be seeking to make an application that Maitua, 31, be dealt with under Section 32 of the Mental Health Act.
Under this section, charges can be dismissed, either entirely or with conditions such as mandatory psychiatric treatment.
On November 25, Maitua was charged with assaulting cab driver Abdelhamid Bensaidi at Daceyville in the early hours of that morning.
Police say that Maitua was picked up in inner-city Darlinghurst and became abusive towards the driver.
Maitua was suspended from all duties by the Bulldogs after he was charged, initially putting his career in doubt.
However, the one-time Australia representative was reinstated last month under strict conditions, including that he agree to a complete alcohol ban.
He rejoined the Bulldogs last year after previously playing for them between 2004 and 2008.
Speaking outside court, Mr Eid said Maitua's mental health was "not too good".
"But we're seeking the appropriate treatment that he needs and he is committed to that treatment," he told reporters.
"We're confident in due course that the court will give him a proper hearing."
Maitua's court appearance came a day after Russell Packer was jailed for two years for assaulting a man outside a pub in November. Packer is appealing against the sentence.
Maitua's case will return to court next month, when he will not be required to attend.
