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Canberra Raiders star Josh Papalii to plead not guilty to threatening police and bar staff at licenced club

Canberra Raiders NRL players sit on the sidelines during loss to North Queensland Cowboys.

Josh Papalii's lawyer has indicated he'll plead not guilty to the charges stemming from an alleged incident at a licence club. (Getty Images: Ian Hitchcock)

Veteran Raiders player Josh Papalii will fight charges over an alleged incident at a licensed club in Canberra's north in September.

Mr Papalii's lawyer Tom Taylor told the ACT Magistrates Court today he will plead not guilty to both charges. 

Police allege the 32-year-old was among three men who threw glasses and were aggressive towards staff at the Raiders Club in Gungahlin in the early hours of the morning.

Police also say he was verbally aggressive towards them, and tried to intimidate the officers after being told to leave.

Today, Mr Taylor said he had reviewed some footage of the incident and believed he would have to call at least three and possibly up to six or seven police witnesses and up to five civilian witnesses in the case.

Mr Taylor asked the court for a pre-hearing in the new year, to allow time for the issues in the case to be narrowed.

The court heard Mr Papalii was not required to be in court today on the charges which were summons matters.

The case will be back in court in February.