NEWCASTLE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 15: Ben Barba of the Sharks celebrates the win during the round 10 NRL match between the Newcastle Knights and the Cronulla Sharks at Hunter Stadium on May 15, 2016 in Newcastle, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)
The North Queensland Cowboys have sacked star recruit Ben Barba following an incident at a casino in Townsville.
Fairfax media reports there is CCTV footage of the alleged incident at a Townsville Casino on Australia Day and the police are investigating.
There are allegations he physically assaulted his partner .
In response, the Cowboys have terminated Barba's contract for a "significant breach of the terms of his contract"
"When a player joins the North Queensland Cowboys he agrees to abide by the terms of the contract," Cowboys chairman Laurence Lancini said in a club statement.
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."