Canterbury have been asked to hand over all documentation relating to their February suspension of Ben Barba to the NRL integrity unit as part of an investigation into the club’s handling of their star fullback.
Sydney barrister Tony Bannon SC will carry out the review on behalf of the NRL – with the league desperate to ensure transparency in its investigation as to process involved in Barba being stood down.
“It is important that everyone can have faith in the independence of the process and Tony Bannon is perfectly qualified to deliver that outcome,” NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle said in a statement.
“He will be provided with all relevant information and have the opportunity to carry out any interviews he deems appropriate.
“It is our intention that the review will be completed as soon as possible but it is ultimately up to Mr Bannon to determine the final timeframe.”
Questions as to the Bulldogs handling of the the Dally M winner’s suspension for the opening three rounds of the season were raised following a weekend newspaper report which claimed Barba was alleged to have punched a woman in the face the day before he was suspended.
At the time of the suspension, then Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg – who is now the NRL’s head of football – said Barba was being stood down to deal with personal problems.
There were suggestions at the time that those issues related to gambling and alcohol.
The Bulldogs last week released Barba from the final two years of his contract to join Brisbane in 2014.
Despite the cloud now hanging over Barba’s future, the Broncos were willing to discuss the potential impact he could have on the club.
Veteran lock Corey Parker reckoned the matchwinning No.1 should not be seen as the answer to the Broncos’ woes.
Brisbane were knocked out of the top eight hunt and relegated to their worst tally of season wins in the club’s history when they lost 26-18 to Newcastle last Friday night.
“He’s a quality player and he’s going to bring some spark to any team he goes to,” Parker said.
“But I don’t think it would be fair to say if Ben Barba was here things will be different.
“He’s going to be an added bonus but he’s not going to be the be-all and end-all.”
There is a chance Barba may even run out against Brisbane on Thursday night as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
Broncos captain Sam Thaiday said they were preparing as if Barba would play.
“I haven’t heard too much (but) we will prepare for that with the video stuff we do,” he said.
“But how do you prepare for a player like that? He brings an X-factor.”
Media were not allowed to ask Broncos players about the NRL investigation on Monday.
And Thaiday had no real answer when quizzed about what impact the probe may have on the Bulldogs’ performance on Thursday night.
“That’s for them to deal with. Our main focus is to get a bit of pride back,” he said.
I'mastormtrooper2
Guest
Why is everyone assuming it was his partner ... Barba and his partner had seperated due to the fact that Ben had started a relationship with someone else ... The rumour mill about this type of behaviour from Barba is not exactly breaking news .... He obviously has grave issues with alcohol, gambling and it certainly didn't just start this week or this year ... A curse that goes hand in hand with addictive personalities - As have many, let alone over-paid fullballers ... I've been saying for some time, Ben Barba has a huge ego and his demeanour on the field towards his team mates, especially when things are going wrong, has been more than evident - Ben Barba needs anger management .... I hope the Bronco's can get good with that ... The real issue becomes serious when the person responsible refuses to seek councelling and or support - As apparently, is the issue the Bulldogs had and have with Barba ... He had a deal and he renegged on that arrangement - Sounds familiar !!! Not a Super-Star - A Super-brat !!!
steve b
Roar Guru
Ha ha spot on !
Pot Stirrer
Guest
Yep, just the DT slinging mud as usual.
up in the north
Guest
Dogs of war I stand corrected. I should check my facts before mouthing off. Humble apologies. I'm off to stand in the corner now.
Steve
Guest
Im pretty sure his partner, through her lawyer, stated that nothing happened, therefore there isn't anything to investigate.
Pot Stirrer
Guest
Good point, i dont know what the Bulldogs could have done different if she was/is unwilling to pursue it wth a police report. It will be interesting though to see if Barba denies or admits guilt but if its the former then theres not much anyone can do.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
Robert Lui was charged with assaulting his girlfriend. Once the charge is laid, it's very easy for the NRL to suspend a player. It was also Lui's second offence http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/09/27/tigers-lui-charged-with-assaulting-girlfriend/ http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/03/22/robert-lui-has-to-go/
up in the north
Guest
In the Lui episode no charges were laid, the NRL chose a hard line punishment. People expect consistancy.
Dogs Of War
Roar Guru
It would be great if that were true, but if one party doesn't want to play, in this case the victim, it's hard to make a proper case. It's why you need the police involved in those sorts of matters.
up in the north
Guest
If the NRL are to be consistant regarding domestic violence, Benny Boy will get a years holiday, a la Robert Lui. A guilty / not guilty police case should not be necessary. The fact that the incident occured at all should be all that matters. Not really fair, but there you have it. Looks like the Broncos have bought a lemon.
eagleJack
Guest
As pointed out by the Telegraph the info was released after a 6 week investigation by them after they were made aware of the existence of the photograph. The timing is simply a coincidence. Whilst I'm usually loathe to believe anything written by a News Ltd journalist, this does seem believable as what benefit would the Bulldogs gain by releasing the info? They, as well as Todd Greenberg, are now under investigation for a cover-up. My guess the person out to "destabilise" the relationship is simply a concerned friend worried that Currie is back in a relationship with Barba. A leopard rarely changes its spots.
Gaz
Guest
That said it does seem rather strange that this has made headlines a week after Barba announced he is leaving. Not unusual people would think a case of sour grapes particularly after being kept under wraps for the past six months. It's quite obvious who ever it was that went to the media are out to distablise Ben Barba and his relationship and for what purpose?
Jimmy recard
Guest
Bulldogs will release this ASAP, telegraph is making the dogs out like they are the bad ones, they handled the situation fine , dropped him from footy, sent him to rehab , tried persuading currie to front police, you can't go behind someone's back if they don't want the matter reported let alone the camaraderie you show to your own players snitching on them, Fair enough... Barba is in the wrong but I'm sick to death of the telegraph bringing our game down this week is my teams blockbuster clash against the bunnies I'm focusing on that