Out-of-contract NRL star Jarryd Hayne will plead not guilty to the alleged sexual assault of a woman, according to his lawyer.

Hayne, 30, was charged with aggravated sexual assault and inflicting actual bodily harm after handing himself in to police in November.

The former Parramatta Eels star faced Burwood Local Court on Monday and his lawyer told reporters Hayne would plead not guilty.

"Mr Hayne maintains his innocence," lawyer Leo Premutico told media.

"A plea of not guilty will be entered. He would like at this time to thank those who've offered their support, in particular his parents, his mother and father."