Former NSW Sky Blues captain and NRLW playmaker Maddie Studdon has been charged with domestic-violence-related stalking following allegations she sent abusive messages to her ex-partner and confronted them at home.
According to reports first published by News.com.au, police allege that the 31-year-old athlete experienced a “breakdown in her relationship” and began sending a series of abusive messages from January 11. When blocked, authorities claim Studdon allegedly used bank transfer descriptions as a means to continue contacting her former partner.
Studdon was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly showing up at her ex-partner’s home overnight in an attempt to confront them. NSW Police confirmed that she was taken to Mascot Police Station and charged with “talk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic) and use carriage service to menace/harass/offend.”
Appearing via audio visual link (AVL) from Surry Hills Police Station on Wednesday morning, Studdon entered pleas of not guilty. The court heard that she had previously been charged with a domestic violence matter in 2015.
Currently, Studdon is not contracted to any NRLW club, although her lawyer informed the court she has a contract opportunity with the North Queensland Cowboys for the upcoming season. The former Dragons player last featured in Round 6 of the NRLW last year as a replacement for an injured teammate.
The Warriors’ attempt to sign her as an injury replacement in August was rejected by the NRL, citing it was not a “like-for-like” signing.
Studdon captained NSW in the inaugural Women’s State of Origin and has been a prominent figure in the NRLW since her debut. This latest legal matter is expected to dominate media attention in the lead-up to the 2026 season.
Leave a Reply