Ben Barba sacked over incident at a Townsville casino
FEBRUARY 1, 20197:34pm
Ben Barba. Picture: Zak SimmondsSource:News Corp Australia
John Dean with AAP
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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 SimmondsSource:News Corp Australia
“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.”
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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.
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Daley: Barba can move on
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 SimmondsSource:News Corp Australia
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
News.com.au
