Canterbury coach Des Hasler has confirmed he will not select Ben Barba.
Despite being back at training this week, Ben Barba will not play against the Melbourne Storm in round three.
Source: News.com.au
The first grand final rematch of the season always promises more than just any other game.
However, Canterbury Bulldogs coach Des Hasler has already confirmed reigning Dally M Medal winner Ben Barba will not be in his side to face the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park in round three.
Barba has not played a minute this season after suffering a public fall from grace on the eve of the season’s first round where he was set to be the face of the game for the 2013 season.
The scintillating playmaker revealed alcohol and gambling problems and sought treatment at a rehabilitation clinic before rejoining his teammates at Belmore late last week.
However, despite securing one win from the first two rounds, Hasler does not believe rushing Barba back into the side will be of long-term benefit to him or the team.
“He won’t play against Melbourne,” Hasler said.
“He got back to training last Friday so we will just have to monitor it from here on his physical well being. The side is doing quite OK at the moment.
“This early in the competition we won’t be making any rash decisions. At the moment I can’t give an answer on his immediate comeback probably until midway through next week once he gets some solid training under his belt.”
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