League 'Immortal' on child abuse charges

Australian rugby league "Immortal" Graeme Langlands has been charged with six counts of indecent dealing with a girl under 16.

Langlands, 76, was charged earlier this month but was not present when his matter was mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Thursday.

It is alleged the offences occurred on the Gold Coast in the early 1980s.

Langlands is living in a nursing home in NSW and is suffering from severe dementia that prohibits him from travelling.

The court heard his solicitor would ask for the case to be referred to the Mental Health Court on the grounds Langlands is not fit to answer the charges.

The matter has been adjourned to Monday.

In 1999, Langlands was given the status of "Immortal", a title bestowed to only eight of rugby league's all-time greats.

The former St George Dragons fullback and goal kicker, nicknamed "Changa", represented Australia in 45 Tests.