Extraordinary twist in NRLW’s nastiest break-up: Dragons star accuses ex of horrific assaults weeks after SHE was convicted of abusing the same woman
Former NRLW player Maddie Studdon has accused her ex-partner Bree Brown of assaulting her repeatedly between November 2023 and August 2025. The allegations have drawn scrutiny because Studdon had pleaded guilty to domestic violence offences against Brown just 15 days before reporting her claims to police.
Brown has pleaded not guilty to charges including common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and property damage; police have also laid three further common assault charges, which she denies. Studdon was convicted over stalking and intimidation and using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend Brown, and received an apprehended violence order was made to protect Brown. At a hearing, Brown’s lawyer argued that the convictions and order could indicate a motive for the allegations; a judge said the background was relevant, but Studdon’s evidence was not heard because the court ran out of time.
- Studdon accused Brown of repeated assaults after pleading guilty to offences against her.
- Brown denies the charges and has pleaded not guilty.
- A judge said Studdon’s earlier convictions could be relevant to the case.
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The National Rugby League Women’s competition, known as the NRLW, is Australia’s women’s rugby league competition. Maddie Studdon and Bree Brown are former partners, and their relationship has led to separate domestic violence proceedings involving allegations by both women.
Studdon was convicted of offences against Brown, including stalking and intimidation, and a court made an order to protect Brown. Brown denies assault and property damage charges brought against her. The cases matter because the allegations and earlier convictions form part of the legal background each side may raise in court.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Studdon’s allegations should be assessed on their own evidence: a person’s prior conviction for abusing a partner does not establish that later claims against them are false. Brown has pleaded not guilty, and the allegations remain unresolved; a fair process should hear relevant testimony and evidence before drawing conclusions.
The case against
The timing and history of the relationship warrant careful scrutiny: Studdon reported the allegations only 15 days after pleading guilty to offences against Brown, who had an order protecting her. Brown’s lawyer argues this background could point to a motive for making the claims, so the court should weigh it alongside the evidence while avoiding treating it as proof that the allegations are false.