League: Former Kiwis captain Jarrod McCracken appears in court after trying to leave Australia

Former Kiwis captain Jarrod McCracken in action against Australia. Photo / Photosport

Former Kiwis captain Jarrod McCracken has faced a Brisbane court accused of leaving the country while bankrupt.

McCracken, 47, appeared in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday charged with four counts of leaving Australia while an undischarged bankrupt.

The embattled former Kiwis standout was declared bankrupt in 2012 after a years-long dispute over a north Queensland property development.

McCracken's financial woes came after he, as a developer, amassed a wealth once reported to be worth $30 million following a neck injury from a spear tackle that ended his playing career in 2000.

McCracken sued former Kiwi teammate and current Warriors coach Steve Kearney, Marcus Bai and the Melbourne Storm over the spear tackle in 2000.

He wanted $800,000 but got $105,000 in the 2006 result, the judge citing McCracken's loss of career, sporting enjoyment and earnings from the neck and spine injuries.

In 2008 McCracken, whose fortune was once estimated $34.25 million, was ordered to pay A$500,000 in security and to rehabilitate native trees he had cleared from parts of his 387ha property in North Queensland.

The hearing was adjourned and he was released on bail to reappear in court on February 16.