The woman who accused former NRL player Teui 'TC' Robati of sexual assault will pre-record her testimony before a planned trial on two counts of rape.
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Robati has previously denied that he assaulted the woman in a Brisbane bar in December 2022 and claimed the encounter was consensual.
Robati was axed by the Broncos in February 2023 before the season kick-off.
The case was briefly mentioned in Brisbane District Court on Tuesday after mediation broke down with prosecutors in the Magistrates Court in January.
The crown prosecutor handed Judge Paul Smith an application written by the alleged victim to be treated as a special witness and a draft order to pre-record her evidence.
Robati was not required to attend court and a law clerk representing his defence said she did not oppose the application.
Judge Smith signed the prosecution's order and scheduled the woman's evidence to be recorded at a hearing in June.
Queensland courts can afford additional protections to alleged victims of sexual offences by declaring them special witnesses under the Evidence Act.
The criteria for being declared a special witness can include if the person due to give evidence would be likely to suffer severe emotional trauma or would be likely to be so intimidated as to be disadvantaged as a witness.
A special witness, the woman will give evidence and be cross-examined by Robati's barrister with her testimony, estimated at two hours in length, being recorded on video.
The video would later be shown at trial.
Robati might also be ordered to view the woman giving evidence via video link instead of sitting in the courtroom while it is recorded.
He remains on bail, with the case adjourned to February 27 for a further mention to set a trial date.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028
Australian Associated Press
