Chris Dawson has been committed to stand trial for the murder of his wife on Sydney's northern beaches nearly 40 years ago.

Dawson will face trial in the Supreme Court later this year after being committed by Magistrate Jacqueline Trad in the Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday.

Chris Dawson, who is accused of murdering his wife over 30 years ago, leaves court on Thursday. Credit:Janie Barrett

The 71-year-old former teacher and Newtown Jets rugby league player has pleaded not guilty.

After Dawson was told he would face a jury over the alleged murder of Lynette Dawson in January 1982, his brother-in-law, Ross Hutcheon, told the court he saw her alive later that year.