Former rugby league star Ken McGuinness has been charged with assault and breaching an apprehended violence order.

McGuinness, 43, was arrested at a home in Raby, in Sydney's south-west, at about 10.30pm yesterday after a 43-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted.

He was taken to Campbelltown Police Station, where he was charged with breaching an AVO and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Ken McGuinness in action for the Cowboys in his final NRL season in 2002. (AAP)

The injured woman was taken to Campbelltown Hospital for treatment.

McGuinness appeared before the Parramatta Bail Court today and was granted bail to appear before Campbelltown Local Court on Tuesday.

After 107 matches with Western Suburbs, McGuinness signed with the Wests Tigers in 1999 for their inaugural NRL season but played just six matches for the new joint-venture club.

Ken McGuinness played five State of Origin matches for the Blues. (Getty)

He played nine more matches for the North Queensland Cowboys in 2002 before retiring aged just 26, saying he had lost passion for the game.