A logistical nightmare looms for Samoan rake David Faiumu after he was scheduled to appear in court on serious assault charges the same day his country could be fighting for a World Cup semi-final berth.

Faiumu's lawyer Campbell MacCallum confirmed the former North Queensland Cowboys hooker would have to attend Rockhampton Magistrates Court on November 10 for a committal hearing expected to take two days.

Samoa are expected to contest a November 10 World Cup semi-final playoff on the Gold Coast.

Faiumu, 25, has been charged with grievous bodily harm following an alleged assault of a 23-year-old man in Rockhampton last November.

Police said the 23-year-old man suffered fractures to his face and had surgery to insert a plate for a broken eye socket.

MacCallum said Faiumu had no choice but to attend the central Queensland court hearing which will decide whether the Samoan international stands trial for the alleged assault.

"He has to be there, simple as that," he told AAP.

"He hasn't told me what he is doing (about World Cup commitments). I'm leaving that in his capable hands.

"I don't know whether he will be dropped or given special dispensation (by his team). But he has to be there on the 10th."

Faiumu's committal hearing is expected to run from 9am to 4pm over two days.

The World Cup semi-final qualifier kicks off at 6.55pm giving Faiumu little chance of flying from Rockhampton to the Gold Coast in time to play.

Samoan team management said it was too early to consider how they would handle the court appearance's clash with the game.

"We have adopted a wait and see approach," a team spokesperson said.

Faiumu will miss Samoa's opening game - their much hyped clash against fierce Pacific rivals Tonga at Penrith on Friday night - but is expected to overcome a hamstring complaint before their next match against Ireland at Parramatta on November 5.

Samoa may not have played a game yet but they are expected to top Pool 3.

The top team in Pool 2 and 3 playoff for the remaining semi-final spot at the World Cup.

The other three semi-finals berths come from Pool 1 which boasts Australia, England, New Zealand and PNG.

Faiumu had avoided court appearances clashing with games during his playing stint with the Cowboys this season after being charged in January this year.

He relocated to English Super League club Huddersfield during the year.

Faiumu switched allegiance to Samoa after tasting international rugby league with New Zealand.

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