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Former Manly Sea Eagles and New Zealand international Steve Matai has been banned from approaching his wife after police applied for an apprehended violence order.
Matai, 41, agreed to interim orders in Byron Bay Local Court, which prevent him from living at the same address or contacting his wife except through a lawyer.
Police first lodged the AVO application on September 10, and the matter appeared in court on September 29 where interim conditions were imposed.
These orders were extended on October 7, with added restrictions stopping him from residing with his wife and family. Matai was not present in court on either occasion.
He has not been charged with any offence and there is no suggestion of illegal behaviour.
A reclusive figure since his 2016 retirement, Matai has avoided rugby league circles and declined reunion invitations.
Former Manly star Steve Matai pictured during his premiership days, now facing strict AVO orders in Byron Bay
Former Manly centre Steve Matai has remained reclusive since retiring in 2016 after two premierships with the Sea Eagles
The matter is scheduled to return to court on November 3, when police will seek to make the AVO official.
Matai debuted for Manly in 2005 and played exclusively for the club until the end of his career in 2016.
He appeared in 230 NRL games, scored 91 tries and kicked 21 goals for a total of 406 points.
He helped Manly to two Premiership titles in 2008 and 2011.
At the international level he played for New Zealand Kiwis between 2006 and 2010, earning 10 official test caps and scoring one try and four goals.
He was also part of New Zealand’s 2008 Rugby League World Cup winning squad.
Known for his rugged defence he was voted the hardest hitter of the NRL in the past 30 years in 2020.
His career was cut short by a neck injury which forced his retirement in 2016.
