Hopoate in court next year over deli row

Notorious former NRL player John Hopoate will return to court next year for a hearing after pleading not guilty to charges relating to his continuing feud with a neighbouring business owner.

The 42-year-old last month spent a night behind bars after an alleged confrontation with Carmelo De Velli, the owner of a Crows Nest fruit shop on Sydney's north shore that is next to a deli in which Hopoate owns a 75 per cent stake.

Hopoate had confronted Mr De Velli a few days after the fruit shop owner had pushed his way into the deli and began measuring floor space, Manly Local Court heard in September.

Hopoate denied assaulting Mr De Velli and a further accusation he stole a bottle of coconut water from him, the court heard.

At Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday morning pleas of not guilty were entered to charges, including contravening an Apprehended Personal Violence Order, intimidation and stealing.

Hopoate is on bail and was at the court, where he is due to return in February.