Siafa is accused to have repeatedly stomped on the victim's head and neck, while Kona'i is accused of repeatedly stomping and kicking the victim's head, causing his death.

The two also pleaded not guilty to alternative counts of manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm.

Manslaughter charges

A third accused, Vilaketi Bloomfield pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and in the alternative causing grievous bodily harm and common assault. He is accused of stomping on the victim's head.

Tangi Tiufilusi Nai pleaded not guilty to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm and serious causing bodily harm. He is alleged to have punched the victim on the head.

However, he pleaded guilty to a third count of common assault.

Similarly putting in a guilty plea for common assault was the accused Sione Bloomfield, who allegedly kicked the victim on his back.

The Crown led by the Director of Public Prosecutions Semisi Lutui opened his case and started calling witnesses, including the showing of video footage of the offences occuring at and outside the bar, on Taufa'ahau Road.

The trial is expected to run for the next few weeks by judge alone.