This was published 3 months ago
Former NRL star Jake Friend fronts court over alleged domestic violence incident
Updated ,first published
Former Sydney Roosters star and head of the club’s junior academy, Jake Friend, has faced court over an alleged domestic violence incident.
Police were granted an interim apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) against the premier-winning former NRL great, court records show.
Sources with information on the police investigation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed the ADVO relates to a drunken incident at the 35-year-old’s inner west home several weeks ago.
The ADVO is not a criminal charge.
The boss and head coach of the Sydney Roosters Academy, which runs development programs for and coaches junior players, walked into Burwood Local Court with high-profile lawyer Paul McGirr on Thursday morning.
Court records show that, under the interim order, Friend must not approach or be in the company of the protected person for at least twelve hours after drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs.
He must not assault, threaten, stalk, harass or intimidate them, and must not intentionally or recklessly destroy or damage any of their property or harm any of their animals.
The matter was adjourned until February 19.
Friend played 264 games for the Roosters. Over his 14-year career, he also represented Australia at Test level and Queensland in the State of Origin.
The former hooker played in three premiership-winning Roosters teams and was co-captain of one.
In the early 2000s, he was embroiled in a number of off-field controversies, but made a career comeback until repeated concussions forced him to quit the game in 2021.
Following his retirement, Friend became the head of the Sydney Roosters Academy and the academy’s head coach.
Outside his youth mentoring, Friend runs a plumbing company and owns a café in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732); Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800; Lifeline 131 114; Beyond Blue 1300 224 636.
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Clare Sibthorpe is a crime reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.
Neil Breen is the national sports editor and a Walkley Award-winning journalist.Connect via X.