Reni Maitua will return to Canterbury training on Wednesday as the former representative backrower battles mental health issues, a common assault charge and a groin injury.

On Tuesday, Maitua pleaded not guilty to charges of assaulting a taxi driver in November, with his legal team indicating they would seek to make an application under the Mental Health Act.

The 31-year-old was thrown an NRL lifeline by his former club the Bulldogs for the 2014 season after he was unwanted by Parramatta after three seasons there.

But the November 25 incident, which followed a night out at infamous Sydney party spot Kings Cross, has cast a cloud over his future at Canterbury.

Maitua was suspended from all duties by the Bulldogs after he was charged by police.

However, the former Kangaroo was reinstated last month under strict conditions, including that he agree to a complete alcohol ban.

Maitua has since revealed his struggles with depression and that he attempted suicide in August last year.

He underwent off season surgery on his groin and will form part of the Bulldog’s rehabilitation group at Belmore, where he won the 2004 premiership, upon his return after the Christmas break.

“Reni will be back at the club on Wednesday but he will be training in a limited capacity due to recent surgery,” a Bulldogs spokesperson told AAP.