Cowboys sack Barba after alleged assault of partner

Ben Barba has been sacked after allegedy assaulting his partner Ainslie Currie in Townsville.

The North Queensland Cowboys terminated the contract of the 29 year old on Friday night after an internal investigation found a "significant breach of the terms of his contract".

Alleged assault: Ben Barba with partner Ainslie Currie at the 2012 Dally M awards.Credit: Dallas Kilponen

Barba had hoped to resurrect his career with the Cowboys following a stint in the UK with St Helens. He returned on the understanding this would be his last chance in the NRL after a string of off-field issues. Barba leaves the Cowboys without having played a game for the club.

Barba's sacking comes just hours after the NRL officially unveiled him as the fullback for the Indigenous team for the revamped All Stars clash on February 15. The AAMI Park encounter was the first opportunity to play in front of Australian audiences since he was banned for his second illicit drug strike following Cronulla’s maiden grand final win in 2016.

The NRL was made aware of the Townsville casino incident on Friday afternoon. Queensland Police are investigating.

It’s understood the alleged incident happened at The Ville Resort-Casino, a sponsor of the Cowboys. The Herald understands there is CCTV footage of the alleged incident.

Currie denied rumours Barba had assaulted her in 2013 after photos of her with facial injuries were published.

The NRL launched an independent probe into Canterbury’s handling of the domestic violence allegations at the time and found that the club and its then chief executive Todd Greenberg - a recent recruit to head office - had acted appropriately. No police charges were laid.

Currie, who chose not to be interviewed by NRL investigators, separated from Barba soon afterwards. However, she was adamant the Dally M medalist never assaulted her.

"I heard rumours floating around about my personal life and I have had family and friends ring to see if I am OK," she said in a statement at the time. "For the record, I am okay.

"I am healthy but I am dealing with an enormous situation regarding my break-up, which is being played out in a public forum.

"Ben has asked for privacy from the Bulldogs and the media and I guess it's my turn to let people know that I am fine. I am not physically hurt but dealing with a very personal situation that involves my children and myself."

Asked whether Barba had physically assaulted her, Ms Currie said: "No."

The couple later reunited and had more children together.

In a statement released on Friday evening, Cowboys chairman Laurence Lancini said the club had terminated Barba's contract due to a 'significant breach' of its terms.

Sacked: North Queensland terminated Ben Barba's contract before the fullback played a game for the club.Credit: Michele Mossop

"When a player joins the North Queensland Cowboys, he agrees to abide by the terms of the contract," Lancini said in the statement. "After an internal investigation, it has been determined that this player has acted in contradiction to both the terms and the spirits of that agreement. Accordingly, the club has terminated his contract and informed the NRL's Integrity Unit."

Speaking before the allegations broke on Friday, Indigenous coach Laurie Daley said he hoped Barba would embrace his final chance in the NRL.

‘‘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.’’

In his pomp, Barba was one of the game’s biggest stars. The diminutive fullback won the Dally M Award in 2012, was given the honour of officially launching the NRL season on behalf of the players the following year and was handed a pay packet to match.

However, his life spiralled out of control and he admitted to issues with gambling and alcohol. While at Cronulla, he made headlines for fraternising with a group of friends known as the Epic Bender Crew.

In an interview with the Herald in 2016, he said his “all about me attitude” almost cost him his family.

"Absolutely, the spotlight got to me, and I won't shy away from that. I lost track of who I was and what I was,” Barba said at the time.

“I did let it go. Especially with myself and Ainslie at the time. I'm so happy that I have been able to patch things up with her.

"We're in such a good head space now and have added another two little girls to the crew. We're flying at the moment and every day I'm so thankful. I've learnt from my mistakes and my family is happy. That's allowed me to enjoy my footy again."