Maddie Studdon’s sudden departure from the Eels left her in a dark place fighting for NRLW comeback

The ex-NSW halfback says last year was the lowest of her career after missing out on an NRLW contract when Parramatta opted not to re-sign her.

It left Studdon, who has now signed a one-year deal with Cronulla for 2023, to sit out the entire 2022 season as the Eels went on to play the NRLW grand final without her.

In a candid interview with CODE Sports, the 28-year-old says she was heartbroken to be left out of the Eels’ plans and feels as though she didn’t receive any real explanation as to why.

“I was in a dark place, it hit me hard especially coming off a good season with Parra,” she says.

“I was getting feedback saying I have played one of my best seasons and then not to be picked up, that was pretty heartbreaking. It was mentally tough.

“I didn’t get any reason, I didn’t get any call. The last call was from the coach (Dean Widders) and he just said we’ll be in touch when the contracts come out, and then I just didn’t hear one more thing.

“Mentally it was devastating, but I had support behind me with some of the girls in this team and the coaching staff (at the Sharks).”

Under Widders and football manager Andy Patmore, the Eels moved on with plans to revamp their squad in their second NRLW season, and those changes took them to the 2022 grand final opposite Newcastle.

They felt as though Studdon wasn’t quite the right fit for the style of football they needed to play, and no other club came knocking.

It felt like a gut punch to her to be overlooked, and she admits she found it difficult to socialise or leave the house for a while afterwards.

After all, she was the Blues halfback in 2018, 2019 and 2021 but found herself 12 months later without an NRLW contract.

“It was probably one of the lowest points in my career,” she says.

“I’ve been knocked down a couple of times, and in my position, I know it’s a very critical position, and the halves always get criticised, but it’s a part of the game and I know that and I take ownership on my behalf as well.

“But going from being one of the best halves and getting coaches from other clubs calling me telling me and telling me it’s one of the best years I’ve had (to being overlooked for a contract), it was heartbreaking.

“It was a high straight down to the lows. I know that’s part of the sport and I’ve been there before, but this was a different hit.

“It’s been a hard trot to come back, but I just want to get out there and prove to those people that whatever they’re saying about me, I’m not going away.”

Fox Sports came calling with an offer for Studdon to help commentate and present the women’s games last year, and she lapped up the chance to stay involved.

It gave her the opportunity to see things from a new perspective – something she’s thankful for now as she fights for another chance at the Sharks.

The squad has started on a clean slate, but there’s a four-way tussle for the two halves spots this season.

Ironically, Eels played the 2022 grand final with Tayla Preston in the No.7 jersey – who is also expected to be first in line for the halfback job at the Sharks this year.

NSW and Australia fullback Emma Tonegato is also switching to five-eighth, while Sereana Naitokatoka is in line for a role in the halves.

But it’s a fight Studdon is ready for and she’s spent time working on her game.

“I’ve been pushed down and knocked down a couple of times but I ain’t going away,” she says.

“I just wanted to put my head down (in the Harvey Norman competition) and learn, and I learn every time I come to training.

“I knew that if I wanted this and to keep going, I just had to never give up and believe that anything is possible and have the right people behind me.

“A lot of these girls are my best mates and they were backing me and believed in me. I’m very grateful for this bunch. I’m just forgetting the past and moving on, that’s all I can do.”