‘Scourge on society’: Studdon barely avoids jail for stalking offences

Ex-NRLW player Maddie Studdon has dodged jail and instead simply been hit with a $2,200 fine and lashed with a dressing down at Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court after facing domestic violence-related stalking offences.

The former superstar, who has played for New South Wales and Australia, was today sentenced over a series of incidents that occurred in early 2026, where she sent an ex-partner abusive messages, called her 29 times, and showed up at her house to kick at her door. Studdon reportedly yelled “You’re having f**king sex, are ya?” during the incident.

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The following morning, she returned while her ex was at work and tried to open her car door. Studdon was arrested on January 13. The 31-year-old then spent the night behind bars and was charged with one count each of stalk/intimidation with the intention to cause fear of physical harm (DV) and using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend.

The latter came after Studdon’s ex-partner blocked her number and all profiles on social media. To get around the blocks, Studdon set her number to private and called her 29 times. She also sent the victim a message by transferring a small amount of money to her through a bank app with the description written out as “check msgs, enjoy the d**k.”

Studdon’s solicitor entered guilty pleas to both offences. At the same time, the court heard that Studdon had made allegations that her former partner had slept with another person. Those claims were unsubstantiated, the court was told.

“No one should ever have to put up with being treated like this,” Magistrate Megan Greenwood told Studdon, warning her how close she had been to being taken away by sheriffs, put in a van, and sent to Silverwater prison.

“You do this again – you’re going to jail,” Ms Greenwood said, adding DV was a “scourge on society.”

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Ms Greenwood also pointed out that sending messages through a bank transfer is “classic controlling behaviour,” which she said the court sees too often, and likely would have left the victim “terrified” and fearing for her safety. Alongside the $2.2K fine, Studdon was sentenced to a two-year intensive corrections order, to be served in the community.

Studdon played for the Sydney Roosters, St George Illawarra, Parramatta Eels, and Cronulla Sharks throughout her 15-match career in the NRLW. She played as many games for Australia, New South Wales, and the Women’s All-Stars.

The 31-year-old is not expected to play in the 2026 NRLW season, having not been offered a deal.