Ex-NRL great Brett Dallas back in jail on stealing charges

In April he was released from custody but police allege he has risked his freedom.

Brett Dallas was given immediate parole in April 2021, but July he had allegedly stolen clothing. Photo: Daryl Wright.

A former Origin great is back in jail just months after his release from prison in yet another blow for the troubled NRL speedster.

But Brett Dallas plans to fight his return to custody. He appeared in Mackay Magistrates Court on Wednesday via videolink.

The 46 year old is charged with stealing clothing from Myer on July 8, 2021, less than three months after his prison release.

Brett Dallas in 1997. Photo: Rugby League A/CT

On April 19, 2021 he was granted parole release after spending 10.5 months in jail on a string of charges including stealing and aggravated ice possession.

“Mr Dallas you’re charged that on July 8, 2021 … you stole clothing, property of Myer … and before committing that offence you had on April 19, 2021 in Mackay Supreme Court been convicted on indictment of stealing,” Magistrate Damien Dwyer read out.

Brett Dallas leaving Mackay police precinct after he was given immediate parole in April 2021. Photo: Daryl Wright.

Legal Aid defence solicitor Rosie Varley, who appeared as friend of the court, said Mr Dallas was on a return to prison warrant “and he’s made a show cause application”.

The court heard Mr Dallas’s full time release date was in October 2023.

“I do need to take instructions,” Ms Varley said, adding he had made an application for legal aid and was awaiting its approval.

The case was adjourned to September. There was no bail application and Mr Dallas was remanded in custody.