Ex-Socceroo and A-League defender Ruon Tongyik may have to wait until next year to defend allegations he sexually assaulted a woman in 2018.
The 27-year-old appeared at Parramatta District Court on Friday, but was unable to enter a formal plea due to prosecutors seeking an extension to also arraign his co-accused.
Tongyik's lawyer Bobby Hill told the court his client is seeking a date for trial and suspects the co-accused will also attempt to defend an identical charge of aggravated sexual assault in company.
Mr Hill said while it makes sense for the pair to face trial together, he objected to an adjournment sought by prosecutors, potentially prolonging the wait time until trial.
"He's a professional football player Your Honour," Mr Hill told Judge Stephen Stanley.
"He is unable to play. He's been stood down.
"His contract for the Western Sydney Wanderers is suspended."
Judge Stanley suggested a trial most likely wouldn't occur until next year, unless an earlier vacancy becomes available in court listings.
The alleged offence took place in 2018, with Queensland police receiving a complaint in 2021 and NSW police ultimately arresting Tongyik in August 2023, Mr Hill told the court.
Mr Hill agreed to his client's arraignment date to be set for July 26, at which time if prosecutors are not ready to also arraign his co-accused, a trial date will be set for him alone.
Prior to Tonyik's arrest, police intercepted phone calls between him and his co-accused, the court was told.
Tongyik was signed by the Western Sydney Wanderers in 2018 but departed due to injury, only to be re-signed by the club in 2022.
He made two appearances with the Socceroos in 2021 during their bid for World Cup qualification.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
