NRLW star Maddie Studdon could reverse her pleas of not guilty after being accused of domestic violence-related stalking following her split with her girlfriend, a court has heard.
The former NSW skipper and St George Illawarra halfback appeared in Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday after being charged and spending a night behind bars on remand on January 14.
Studdon, who was released on bail, allegedly became ‘fixated’ after her three-year relationship broke down, following her ex commencing a relationship with a man, according to court documents.
Detectives alleged that Studdon, who played for the Jillaroos between 2014 and 2017, contacted her ex by calling her on a private number 29 times, and also sent her messages via emails and bank transfers.
‘Check msgs, enjoy the d***,’ one message from Studdon said, according to court documents.
‘Can stop being suss and own up. You make m e [sic] go off cause what you’re doing.’
NRLW star Maddie Studdon (pictured) fronted a Sydney court on Wednesday after pleading not guilty to charges of stalking/intimidation with the intention of fear or physical harm (DV) and using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend
The magistrate hearing Studdon’s case set the matter down for a possible plea traversal
Police applied for an apprehended domestic violence order against Studdon after she allegedly made a ‘throat-slitting’ gesture to her ex-girlfriend
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 captained 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 one-time partner.
On Wednesday, Studdon’s lawyer David Newham asked the court for an adjournment so they could consider their position.
The court heard that Magistrate Karen Stafford set the case down for a possible plea traversal.
Last week, Studdon was granted bail after forfeiting $5000 – but she is banned from accessing any form of social media.
Studdon’s previous lawyer Javid Faiz told a Sydney court last Wednesday that his client ‘had a possible contract’ lined up with the North Queensland NRLW side – but the Cowboys have confirmed she 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 said.
‘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.’
