Jason Hans Speelman is accused of verbally threatening a former friend he'd discovered was sleeping with his ex-wife, then turning up to the man's house in the early hours of April 8 with a loaded semi-automatic pistol.

One of the love rival's friends, who had been summoned to the house a short time earlier over fears there was going to be a confrontation, allegedly chased Speelman's car down the road brandishing a machete, prompting Speelman to stop the vehicle and get out to confront the man.

When Speelman allegedly drew the firearm, the friend ran back towards the house yelling out to the home owner and another mate "he's coming and he's got it, he's got the gun and he's gonna use it".

The two men barricaded themselves in the house, however police allege that during the confusion the machete-wielding man was locked out and left standing on the driveway.

Speelman allegedly found him a few moments later, raised his gun and shot the man in the face.

The projectile went through the right side of his face and exited at the base of his skull, police documents before Port Kembla Local Court said.

The man fled down the driveway, bleeding profusely.

Speelman allegedly followed him to the rear of the property and fired another shot, which missed the man but hit a neighbouring house.

Speelman then left, police claim, and the man's friends called emergency services.

The injured man was flown to St George Hospital in a critical condition and placed in intensive care. An update of his condition was not provided in court on Wednesday.

Police arrested Speelman in Berkeley about eight hours after the incident, subduing him with a Taser after he allegedly threatening self harm with a knife.

In an interview with officers, Speelman claimed he couldn't remember anything that happened between the time he learnt of his ex-wife's new lover (having read messages on her mobile phone) on April 6, and his arrest on April 8 owing to his use of methamphetamine.

Speelman was remanded in custody on charges of shooting at a person with intent to murder, discharging a loaded gun with intent to murder and resisting police.

In a bail application, defence lawyer Nerissa Keay said Speelman would live with his mother, report to police and not contact any witnesses if released.

She said police had not found the alleged weapon and submitted the prosecution case against her client was weak.

However, Magistrate Michael Stoddart found the case was relatively strong on face value and noted Speelman had a lengthy criminal history including matters of violence.

He refused the bail application.