The Manly Sea Eagles hooker was charged with three offences after allegedly stabbing a man during a brawl at a Mormon church function in late October last year.
Fainu, 21, pleaded not guilty to a number of charges including wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, recklessly causing grievous bodily harm in company and affray.
Kaniva News reports the most serious charge – intent to cause grievous bodily harm – carries a maximum sentence of 25 years