Ben Barba facing assault, disorderly charges over Mackay nightclub incident

A former rugby league superstar is facing several charges over an incident at a popular nightclub in the Mackay city centre.

Ben Barba is facing a number of charges over a drunken incident at Mackay nightclub The Rabbit Hole. Picture:Michaela Harlow

A former NRL superstar is facing an assault charge over a drunken clash at a popular nightclub in the Mackay city centre.

Disgraced rugby league player Ben Barba is accused of three offences after an incident at the Rabbit Hole on July 7, 2024.

The 35 year old, who returned to Mackay after his NRL contract was retracted, is charged with common assault in a public place while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, failing to leave licensed premises and removal of person from the premises.

It is alleged Mr Barba assaulted another person, refused to immediately leave the Rabbit Hole when asked and resisted being removed by an authorised person.

Ben Barba is facing a number of charges over a drunken incident at Mackay nightclub The Rabbit Hole. Picture supplied

The matter was briefly mentioned in Mackay Magistrates Court on Wednesday and Mr Barba was represented by ATSILS solicitor Sarah Reid, who requested a three week adjournment.
Ms Reid told the court she needed time to seek further instruction from Mr Barba regarding the allegations.

In 2016 the former Dally M medallist was dumped by the Cronulla Sharks and kicked out of the league after a positive cocaine test.

While serving out his ban he played in the French and English league before the Cowboys offered him a $400,000 a year contract, which was later ripped up and he was sacked before even playing a game over an incident in 2019.

Matters were adjourned to August 14 for mention.