Former St George Illawarra Dragons NRLW star and state captain Maddie Studdon has appeared in court, pleading not guilty to serious domestic violence-related charges.
Court Appearance and Charges
The ex-rugby league representative was arrested on Tuesday night, January 13, 2026, following a police investigation. She faced a bail hearing at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday morning, where she formally entered a plea of not guilty.
New South Wales Police confirmed that Studdon was charged with two offences: stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm and use carriage service to menace/harass/offend. The charges stem from an alleged incident that led to her being taken to Mascot Police Station.
Strict Bail Conditions Imposed
The court granted Studdon conditional bail ahead of her next scheduled appearance on January 21, 2026. Her bail conditions are stringent and include:
- A complete ban on consuming alcohol or taking illicit drugs.
- No access to any social media platforms.
- Full compliance with an apprehended violence order (AVO).
These conditions are designed to address the specific nature of the allegations while the legal process unfolds.
Illustrious Playing and Coaching Career
The charges come against the backdrop of Studdon's significant career in women's rugby league. She played six games for the St George Illawarra Dragons in the 2019 NRLW season and made a one-game comeback in 2025 as an injury replacement for captain Raecene McGregor.
At representative level, her achievements are notable. Studdon captained the NSW Sky Blues in the inaugural 2018 Women's State of Origin match and was a member of the Australian Jillaroos squad that won the Women's Rugby League World Cup in 2017.
Currently, she holds a coaching role as assistant coach for the Illawarra Steelers in the Tarsha Gale Cup (under-19s), a position she took up in 2025. She was slated to work alongside Dragons legend Luke Bailey in guiding the junior side for the 2026 season.
The case has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community, where Studdon is both a respected former player and a developing coach. The court will next consider the matter later this month as the legal proceedings continue.
