In the wake of one of Australia’s most talked-about celebrity scandals involving AFL star Lachie Neale and his wife Jules Neale’s close friend Tess Crosley, new developments have emerged highlighting the personal toll on those involved. Tess Crosley, 30, a Brisbane-based influencer and former Mormon missionary, has reportedly traveled to Bali alone with her young child(ren), notably without her husband Ben Crosley by her side—a move that has fueled speculation about the state of their marriage following the explosive allegations of her affair with Neale.
The scandal erupted in late December 2025 and early January 2026, when reports surfaced that Neale, the 32-year-old Brisbane Lions co-captain and dual Brownlow Medal winner, had been involved in an extramarital relationship with Crosley, who was described as one of Jules Neale’s closest friends and confidantes. Jules, 35, a hair stylist and influencer, publicly addressed the “unimaginable betrayal” in a heartfelt statement, confirming the couple’s separation and emphasizing her focus on healing and the wellbeing of their two young children, Piper and Freddie. Neale stepped down from his co-captaincy role with the Lions shortly after, acknowledging the consequences of his actions and prioritizing family reconciliation efforts.
Insiders and media reports have painted a picture of a relationship that was far from discreet. Sources claim Neale and Crosley were openly affectionate at their shared gym, Total Fusion Newstead in Brisbane, with one anonymous gym member telling outlets like news.com.au that the pair “did not try to hide it” and appeared to be in a relationship for months. Allegations suggest the affair lasted anywhere from three to six months, potentially overlapping with Brisbane’s successful 2025 AFL season, including their historic grand final run. The tipping point reportedly came when another Lions WAG (wives and girlfriends group member) caught the pair in a compromising position in a car and informed Jules, leading to the rapid unraveling of the Neales’ seven-year marriage.
Crosley, who shares a toddler with her husband Ben Crosley (a finance director working for Hong Kong-based New Heritage Investment), has faced intense scrutiny. Recent photos show her without her wedding ring during Christmas celebrations on the Gold Coast and a low-key 30th birthday trip to Adelaide’s Penfolds Magill Estate Winery in mid-January 2026. She has been spotted at cosmetic clinics in Brisbane and visiting family, but has largely stayed out of the public eye regarding the scandal. No direct statements from Crosley have been made, though photographers confronted her with questions, yielding no comment.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding the Crosley marriage, Ben Crosley was conspicuously absent from family activities during the holiday period and instead jetted off to Bali for a “boys trip” as the new year began. He was photographed at the luxurious Bambu Fitness retreat in Uluwatu, shirtless and smiling alongside friends Tom Bennallack and Seth Mutton after intense workout sessions. The trip, documented on social media stories, appeared to be a deliberate escape from the media storm back home. While the Crosleys have not publicly confirmed any marital issues or separation, the absence of wedding rings in recent images and Ben’s solo overseas getaway have led many to speculate that their relationship is strained or possibly over.
Now, in a fresh twist reported in early-to-mid January 2026, Tess Crosley herself has headed to Bali—solo with her child(ren)—without Ben’s presence. This development contrasts sharply with the couple’s previous family-oriented public image and comes amid ongoing fallout from the Neale saga. Bali, a popular destination for Australians seeking relaxation and privacy, has become a recurring location in this story: first for Ben’s boys’ trip, now for Tess and the kids. Sources close to the situation suggest the trip may be an attempt to seek respite from the relentless attention in Brisbane, where the Crosley family home remains under occasional media watch.
The broader implications of the scandal have rippled through the AFL community. Neale, once a celebrated figure, now faces questions about his leadership and personal conduct ahead of the 2026 season. Jules has relocated to her hometown of Perth in Western Australia with the children, supported by family, and has received an outpouring of sympathy from fellow WAGs and the public. The story has dominated Australian tabloids, social media, and sports commentary, with discussions centering on themes of betrayal, friendship fallout, and the pressures of high-profile relationships.
For Tess Crosley, the Bali getaway with her children appears to be a quiet, family-focused retreat amid personal upheaval. Whether this signals a permanent shift in her marriage to Ben or simply a temporary break remains unclear, as neither has addressed the rumors directly. The absence of Ben during this trip underscores the emotional distance that may have developed since the affair allegations surfaced.
As the new year progresses, all parties involved continue to navigate the aftermath. Jules prioritizes her children’s stability, Lachie focuses on rebuilding trust and his career, and Tess seeks normalcy for her family—away from the spotlight, in the serene beaches of Bali. The scandal serves as a stark reminder of how quickly private indiscretions can become public spectacles, leaving lasting impacts on marriages, friendships, and families.
