Feb 3rd, 2019

Feb 3rd, 2019

Former Maroons legend Billy Moore has slammed the NRL following the sacking of Ben Barba, while Broncos star Kodi Nikorima has called for players to take more responsibility for their actions.

Barba's contract was terminated after the 29-year-old was involved in an alleged domestic violence incident at a Townsville casino.

Barba and his partner Ainslie Currie have a history of alleged domestic disputes - Currie denied rumours Barba had assaulted her in 2013 after photographs depicting her facial injuries were published.

Barba's career in ruins. (PA/AAP)

Moore couldn't hide his frustration about the case and the plethora of other incidents that have further tainted the NRL's reputation during the offseason.

“Rugby league is a lie. We lie about women’s round and (the charity of) White Ribbon,’’ Moore told ABC radio.

“The bar was low for rugby league anyway but I think Ben Barba is the sixth NRL individual to be hauled on of accusations of violence against women.

“I’m sad because I know how great our game is on the field. Off field we’ve reached a breach point where this cannot continue.

“The force of the game has to come down. Just because you’re a great player isn’t an excuse.’’

Nikorima says the onus is on players to pull teammates into line.

“Collectively and individually, we’ve got to uphold a good reputation for the game,’’ he told The Courier-Mail.

“We’ve got to pull each other up when somebody is out of line.

“We are role models to little kids so we have to do the right thing.’’

Queensland legend Billy Moore. (aap)

Cowboys coach Paul Green confirmed the club wasn't aware of any issues with Barba in the lead up to the incident and it came as a surprise to him.

“He had settled in really. He was really popular with the players,’’ Green told News Corp.

“He seemed happy in his new environment. There were absolutely no signs of any issues.’’

Utility back Ben Hampton is a candidate to replace the sacked star and played fullback for the Cowboys in their last two premiership matches of 2018. Te Maire Martin and Michael Morgan have also been earmarked as possible replacements.