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HE Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have stood down 2012 Dally M Medallist Ben Barba immediately and indefinitely.
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Barba, who was due to open the National Rugby League season at a gala launch in Sydney on Wednesday night, said he was battling ‘‘personal issues’’ and hopes to return to the club and to the game ‘‘a better person’’.
“Today is a very difficult day for me as I feel I’ve let my family, children, club and supporters down,’’ Barba said in a statement issued by the 2012 NRL minor premiers and runners-up.
“My issues relate to seeking help for personal issues that I face day to day.
‘‘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, 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.
“When I do, I hope that everybody sees a better person.”
Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg, who will front a media conference later today to further explain the club’s position, said the 23-year-old fullback had been suspended indefinitely from all contractual duties until further notice.
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Greenberg said the Bulldogs had advised the NRL that Barba would not be available to launch the season as planned, and their decision was made after being told about a number of his ‘‘behavioural issues’’.
“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,” Greenberg said.
“It is our hope that the media and the many rugby league fans understand and respect the need for privacy in order for Ben and his family to make the relevant adjustments that are required for him to return to the playing field.”
