Luke Tipene death: Accused's bid for monitored bail

Luke Tipene died after being stabbed outside a Grey Lynn party in November. Photo / supplied

The man accused of murdering a rugby league rising star has made a bid for electronically-monitored bail this morning.

Vincent Angene Skeen, 17, pleaded not guilty to the charge when he appeared in the High Court at Auckland two weeks after the incident in November.

It is understood Skeen is alleged to have stabbed 17-year-old Luke Tipene in the throat with a broken bottle.

The incident happened outside a party in Grey Lynn.

In court this morning his lawyer Lorraine Smith applied for Skeen to be released on EM bail.

Justice Paul Heath reserved his decision, which he indicated would likely be released by the end of the week.

The details of the hearing cannot be reported but by law EM bail requires a defendant to remain at an approved address at all times and be monitored by Corrections for up to 24 hours a day.

For an application to be granted, a judge must be satisfied that the public, witnesses, victims and the people who will share the address are safe from the defendant.

Tipene was a recent recipient of Auckland Rugby League's Under-17 player of the year award. He was also selected for the New Zealand Maori Under-17 side.

Family said he had been shopping at Henderson's night market and went to pick up a friend when he was attacked.

Dozens of tearful family members packed the court this morning, one carrying a photo of the victim decked out in a representative jersey.

Skeen's trial is scheduled to take place in August.