Faiumu avoids dash from court to NRL

Kiwi international David Faiumu has avoided a last-minute, 700km dash from a Rockhampton court to North Queensland's blockbuster NRL clash with Brisbane.

Faiumu, 24, is on a five-man Cowboys bench for the much anticipated derby clash with the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

The game was scheduled just hours after the 11-Test veteran was due to appear in Rockhampton Magistrates Court for a grievous bodily harm charge.

The Cowboys hooker was charged in Townsville earlier this year in relation to an alleged altercation with a 23-year-old man in Rockhampton's CBD last November.

Police say the 23-year-old man suffered facial injuries and later underwent surgery on his eye socket at the Royal Brisbane Hospital.

Faiumu's Gold Coast-based lawyer Campbell MacCallum told AAP on Friday the player did not have to appear in court and spent the morning in Brisbane.

A Rockhampton-based lawyer for Faiumu Friday appeared in court for a brief mention.

The case was adjourned for mention again on June 24, while police prepare their brief of evidence.

A committal date is expected to be set in June.