Ex-NRL star David Fifita's wife fraudulently claimed nearly $50k in Centrelink benefits

Former NRL player David Fifita’s wife has pleaded guilty to netting almost $50,000 in fraudulent single-parent benefit claims from Centrelink.

Jade Robinson, 26, told Centrelink she was a single mother-of-two despite marrying Fifita in 2014.

Ms Robinson netted $48,507.52 from the scam, which started in 2011, The Daily Telegraph reported.

Investigators found proof Fifita knew about the fraud in a text message exchange between the pair which read in part:

“Remember you get paid Tuesday... were (sic) fine,” the former Cronulla Sharks player wrote.

Robinson replied: “Nah I get paid next week babe,” to which Fifita joked, “No Centrelink lol.”

During the scam, the couple appeared on The Footy Show to take part in a “Perfect Partners” segment, where they revealed details of their married life.

At the time of filming Ms Robinson was still telling Centrelink she had “never been married or lived with a partner.”

The couple are now overseas and have not yet commented on the case. Fifita now plays in the UK’s Super League competition.

Fifita has not been charged with any offence, but there is a possibility Ms Robinson will be ordered to re-pay either part or all of the money involved

She will face sentencing on November 14.