Anthony Richard Winsor, 47, appeared in Tamworth Local Court on Wednesday charged with allegedly robbing a man in his hometown of Gunnedah of $170.

Magistrate Mark Richardson asked Winsor if he’s a fan of halfback Mitchell Pearce. Pearce returns to the sport on Friday following 16 weeks sidelined after he ruptured his pectoral muscle in the Round 7 match in Tamworth earlier this year.

“Because I am, and he’s back this week,” Mr Richardson said.

Winsor’s defence solicitor explained his client must report to police once a week on Friday’s as a condition of his bail.

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He asked if the bail reporting condition could be suspended, or changed to Cardiff Police Station in Newcastle on the Friday of the game.

DPP prosecutor Cat McKay said there is CCTV in relation to the robbery and she would oppose suspending the bail condition until further police evidence is served on solicitors by August 8.

“My preference would be that he reports to us [in Gunnedah] on Friday July 13,” she said.

But, Mr Richardson granted the bail variation, telling Winsor he is to report to Cardiff Police Station in Newcastle on the Friday instead.

The bail condition change applies to the one Friday only, then Winsor will be expected to report back to the Gunnedah Police Station.

Winsor has not entered a plea in relation to the robbery.