A young Canberra Raiders rugby league player punched a man who tried to copy his ape dance at a Brisbane rugby union grand final, a court has been told.

Raiders winger Sam Huihahau, 21, was in the crowd at Ballymore on September 20 to watch Premier Grade combatants Souths and Brothers battle it out in the grand final, the Brisbane Magistrates Court was told on Wednesday.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Michelle Clarke said a heavily intoxicated Huihahau had taken his shirt off and started zig-zagging through the crowd, "swinging his arms in an ape-like manner".

Sgt Clarke said he then started trying to entice other spectators to join in by "violently beating his chest".

When another man started to copy Huihahau's movements, the winger slapped him lightly on the cheek.

When the man returned the gesture, Huihahau punched him.

Sgt Clarke said the crowd then surged around the pair, and that police only narrowly managed to prevent a "full-scale brawl".

Huihahau pleaded guilty on Wednesday to one count of drunk or disorderly behaviour and another count of removal of persons from premises.

He was fined $300 with no conviction recorded.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP