Rugby league: NRL star Bryce Cartwright fronts court after police issue AVO against ex-wife

Bryce Cartwright pictured leaving Waverley Court. Photo / NCA NewsWire

NRL star Bryce Cartwright has fronted a Sydney court after police took out a restraining order to protect his anti-vaxxer wife.

The 27-year-old Parramatta Eels forward split from his former wife Shanelle early last year, after the couple caused controversy over their views on vaccinations.

Cartwright walked away from a $450,000-a-season contract with the Gold Coast Titans and returned to NSW in September 2020 with his then-wife and two children.

Months later, the pair split up following their three-year marriage.

It was revealed this week that police have now sought an apprehended violence order (AVO) against Cartwright on behalf of his ex-wife.

He fronted Waverley Local Court on Thursday but the matter was quickly adjourned.

Cartwright will have to face court again on August 25. He has not been charged with any criminal offence.

The Cartwrights split in early 2021 following their move from the Gold Coast to Sydney. Photo / Instagram

An interim order prevents the 27-year-old from assaulting, threatening, stalking, harassing or intimidating Shanelle.

Standard conditions of the interim order state he also must not damage her property or harm any animal she owns.

Neither the Parramatta Eels or NSW Police have commented on the matter.

The former couple received heavy criticism in 2020 after they expressed their beliefs about vaccinations widely on social media.

Cartwright and his ex-wife said they chose not to vaccinate their children, which was condemned by medical experts.

They called themselves "pro-choice" rather than "anti-vax".

Both Shanelle and Cartwright were sent a number of threats due to the controversial stance.