- Halfback charged with domestic violence-related stalking
Footy star Maddie Studdon has copped another blow after being charged with domestic violence-related stalking, with the North Queensland Cowboys quick to reject speculation they are looking to sign her ahead of the 2026 NRLW season.
Studdon’s lawyer Javid Faiz told a Sydney bail court on Wednesday his client ‘had a possible contract’ lined up in Townsville – but the Cowboys have confirmed the halfback won’t be on their books this year or in the future.
‘The player in question attended the club’s open trial in December, which was an unrestricted opportunity for all female rugby league players,’ a Cowboys spokesman told Code Sports.
‘At no point following the trial has there been any discussion, internally or externally, regarding a contract for the player with our club, nor will there be in the future.’
After the playmaker spent Tuesday night in custody, the court heard Studdon’s ex-girlfriend was ‘terrified’ the footballer would break into her house and kill her.
Court documents alleged that Studdon, 31, became ‘fixated’ after her three-year relationship broke down, following her ex starting a romance with a man.
Footy star Maddie Studdon has copped another blow after being charged with domestic violence-related stalking, with the North Queensland Cowboys denying they are looking to sign her ahead of the 2026 NRLW season
Studdon’s lawyer Javid Faiz told a Sydney bail court on Wednesday his client ‘had a possible contract’ lined up in Townsville – but the Cowboys have set the record straight
Studdon (pictured) has been charged with stalking/intimidation with the intention of fear or physical harm (DV) and using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend
Police also applied for an apprehended domestic violence order after Studdon (pictured) allegedly made a ‘throat-slitting’ gesture to her former partner
Detectives alleged that Studdon, who starred for the Jillaroos national team between 2014 and 2017 and played one NRLW game for the St George Illawarra Dragons last year, contacted her ex by calling her on a private number 29 times, in addition to using emails and bank transfers to send her messages.
‘Check msgs, enjoy the d***,’ one message from Studdon allegedly said, according to court documents.
‘Can stop being suss and own up. You make m e [sic] go off cause what you’re doing.’
‘F***ing own up, you’re a cheater…explain yourself,’ another text allegedly read.
‘Didn’t need to use me just so you cou ld [sic] see if something else would work,’ a third read.
Police also allege Studdon approached her former partner outside her home, attempted to get in her car and punched the side of the vehicle as she called 000.
Studdon, who previously represented the NSW Blues, was charged with stalking/intimidation with the intention of fear or physical harm (DV) and using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend.
The charges follow a previous domestic violence conviction from 2015.
Additionally, police applied for an apprehended domestic violence order after Studdon allegedly made a ‘throat-slitting’ gesture to her former partner.
When opposing bail, prosecutor Christopher Manning argued Studdon should remain in custody as she ‘posed a risk’ to the alleged victim.
The footy star entered not guilty pleas and was granted bail after forfeiting $5000. She is banned from accessing any form of social media.
Studdon, who has also been on the books of Sydney Roosters, Parramatta and Cronulla, is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on January 21.
