WARRINGTON Wolves star Anthony Gelling has appeared in court accused of assaulting his partner.

The centre has been charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm on his girlfriend Toni Mackey in connection with the incident at his home in Widnes back in February.

He appeared at Warrington Magistrates Court today, Tuesday, in order to face this charge.

Gelling, 28, denied the count and was released on bail ahead of a further appearance before Liverpool Crown Court next month.

Warrington Guardian:

The New Zealander – who wore a white shirt, a tie and grey trousers as well as a protective face mask – spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth and enter his plea.

Ms Mackey attended Whiston Hospital the day after the incident on February 6 and was found to have suffered ‘serious’ injuries, including a fractured eye socket.

She has since returned to New Zealand.

Defence solicitor Shaun Draycott told the court that his client had pleaded not guilty because he had ‘acted appropriately and reasonably’.

Gelling, who was supported in court by head of rugby operations Kylie Leuluai, was stood down for selection by the Wire after his arrest.

But he returned to the field for Wolves’ Super League match at Hull FC in March, scoring his first try in primrose and blue in what was the club’s last game before the season was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "Detectives have charged a 29-year-old man with grievous bodily harm.

“Anthony Gelling, of Cronton Lane Mews in Widnes, appeared at Warrington Magistrates Court today, Tuesday.

“The charge relates to an incident at an address on Cronton Lane Mews in Widnes on Thursday, February 6, and subsequently reported to police on Saturday, February 8.”