Ben Barba sacked over incident at a Townsville casino

North Queensland Cowboys recruit Ben Barba has had his contract torn up after an incident at a Townsville casino.

Ben Barba. Picture: Zak Simmonds

North Queensland have sacked major signing Ben Barba for a breach of his NRL playing contract without playing a single game for the club. Barba was involved in an incident at a Townsville casino, according to a report by Nine news late on Friday night.

“When a player joins the North Queensland Cowboys he agrees to abide by the terms of the contract. After an internal investigation,it has been determined that this player has acted in contradiction to both the terms and the spirit of that agreement,” the Cowboys said in a statement on Friday.

Ben Barba has been sacked by the Cowboys. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“Today, North Queensland Cowboys terminated the playing contract of Ben Barba due to a significant breach of the terms of his contract.”

Cowboys chairman Laurence Lancini stated: “When a player joins the North Queensland Cowboys he agrees to abide by the terms of the contract.

“After an internal investigation, it has been determined that this player has acted in contradiction to both the terms and the spirit of that agreement.

“Accordingly, the club has terminated his contract and has informed the NRL’s Integrity Unit.”

Every game of every round of the NRL Telstra Premiership LIVE with no ad-breaks during play. SIGN UP NOW!

This extraordinary development comes just hours after rugby league legend Laurie Daley urged Barba to put his three-year NRL exile behind him and make the most of his career lifeline.

Barba was due to make his first appearance in Australia since the 2016 grand final after he was picked for the Indigenous All Stars’ clash with the Maori All Stars on February 15 in Melbourne.

The 29-year-old’s career is now almost certainly over, having spent the past three years abroad after his second illicit drugs strike following the Sharks’ premiership win.

He was banished to Europe where he had stints in French rugby and Super League.

Ben Barba. Picture: Zak Simmonds

After being granted a release by St Helens, he has signed with North Queensland on a one-year deal and will be scrutinised as he looks to recapture some semblance of his brilliant best.

READ MORE NRL

CONFIRMED: MORRIS TAKES OVER AS SHARKS COACH

‘I’M COMMITTED’: SHARKS CEO RESPONDS TO EXIT RUMOURS

SUMMER SLOG: CHEERLEADERS AXED, TITANS STAR SUFFERS SETBACK

‘SILKY’: US COACH’S FIRST IMPRESSION OF ‘CONFIDENT’ HOLMES

“He’s played well over there in the English Super League and, by all reports, he’s training the house down up there in North Queensland,” Daley said.

“It’s a big game for a lot of people and also Benny because he can come back and put the stuff that happened to him behind him and pull on the shirt and represent his family and his culture.

“And show that if you do make a mistake, there’s always a chance to bounce back.”