According to AAP Palavi appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court, less than a month after the alleged clash with police in the central Canberra suburb of Civic.

Palavi has been charged with two counts of obstructing, hindering, intimidating or resisting a Commonwealth official and one of causing harm to a Commonwealth law enforcement officer.

He has also been charged with one count of common assault relating to another incident last year.

Palavi's lawyer, James Sabharwal, on Thursday asked for an adjournment to give the legal team more time.

Magistrate Michael Somes adjourned the matter until January 25 and continued Palavi's bail.

Tongan-born Palavi played professional rugby league for the Canberra Raiders (1997) and the Melbourne Storm (1998-1999) before switching codes to rugby union and joining the Brumbies in 2003.

At almost 100 kilograms, Palavi is an imposing footballer, having played in almost 30 Super 12/14 rugby matches.

But his 2006 season was cut short in a game against the Bulls last February when he suffered a knee injury that required reconstruction surgery.

He is said to be fit and ready for the upcoming Super 14 season, but it is unclear whether the court case will affect his chances of staying in the team.

Brumbies spokesman Nick Smith said it was too early to tell what sort of punishment the club might impose on Palavi if he is found guilty.

Smith said the club is waiting for the court to deal with the matter.