The 42-year-old former NSW and Australian representative faced Downing Centre Local Court today relating to an ongoing feud with a neighbouring business owner.

The premiership-winner spent a night in the lock-up following an alleged confrontation with Carmelo De Velli who owns a Crows Nest fruit shop next to a deli in which Hopoate owns a 75 per cent share.

De Velli is alleged to have pushed his way into the deli and started measuring floor space, Manly Local Court heard in September.

Hopoate is alleged to have confronted De Velli a few days later and has denied assaulting him.

Hopoate allegedly also stole a bottle of coconut water from him.

Hopoate is on bail and is due to return to court in February.