Canterbury have suspended superstar Ben Barba indefinitely over behavioural issues, just two days before he was due to officially launch the NRL season.
Coming off a breakthrough 2012 campaign in which he romped away with the Dally M medal as the Bulldogs charged into the grand final, Barba had been earmarked to be the unofficial face of the game.
But he won’t play any part in Wednesday’s launch, his immediate playing future in limbo as Barba deals with “personal issues that I face day to day”.
It has been reported that Barba recently separated from his partner Ainslie Currie, with whom he has two children.
The Bulldogs refused to elaborate on the specifics of Barba’s personal issues.
It is unclear whether Barba’s ban will extend to the Bulldogs’ opening game of the NRL season against North Queensland on March 9.
“The decision to suspend Ben indefinitely comes after the club was informed of a number of behavioural issues,” Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg said in a statement.
“Whilst we all know the undoubted on-field attributes and abilities that Ben displays, we must always maintain our focus on the more important issues of personal development and accountability.”
Barba apologised for letting down the club and his fans, but said he had come to a point where he had to face his demons head on.
“I’m incredibly sad to be stepping aside as I’ve been so blessed with what’s happened to me over the past few years,” Barba said.
“But I feel as though I would be wearing a mask if I didn’t confront the matters I’ve been dealing with until now.
“I feel it is best to deal with these problems front on and I believe that by doing so, this will make me a better person and player in the future.
“This will be a step-by-step process for me and whilst I hope to return to football soon, I hope that through this next period, you can respect my privacy so that sooner rather than later, I can return to playing rugby league as best I can.”