THE former girlfriend of Matthew Lodge has broken her silence and revealed the shocking abuse she allegedly suffered at the hands of the now-Brisbane NRL forward.

Charlene Saliba chose to speak to the Daily Telegraph after watching Lodge’s first and only interview on Fox League since having an NRL contract registered with the Broncos.

She says she felt compelled to speak publicly for the first time, to refute claims by Lodge that he had never assaulted a woman.

Ms Saliba said she was in a relationship with Lodge for two years from 2013, and claims he was abusive and she was “living in fear”.

She told the Telegraph Lodge was verbally and physically abusive on several occasions throughout their relationship.

“It started with controlling behaviour, then name-calling, then came the emotional abuse, he started throwing things, physically restraining me, (he) spat in my face, then pushing and shoving me, which then lead to threats on my life,” Ms Saliba said.

Brisbane Broncos player Matt Lodge. Source: AAP

“I’ve lived the cycle of domestic abuse. I came out the other side.”

Court documents reveal police arrested Lodge in August 2015 and charged him with eight offences including common assault, and stalking/intimidation.

In May 2016 Lodge pleaded guilty to one charge of common assault.

He was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond, but during that time he committed his now infamous New York rampage, terrorising a young woman and a family.

The New York family claims they have not received any of the $1.6 million compensation bill Lodge was ordered to pay them by a US court.

Last year the NRL rubber stamped a contract for Lodge to resume his rugby league career with Brisbane.

He made his Broncos debut last week.