NRL appoints independent investigator to quiz Greenberg
Date
September 3, 2013
Adrian Proszenko
Chief Rugby League Reporter
NRL head of football Todd Greenberg will be asked to front an investigation into the possible cover-up of an alleged domestic assault involving Bulldogs star Ben Barba.
The NRL confirmed on Monday night that it had engaged the services of an independent senior counsel - rather than its own integrity and compliance unit - to avoid conflicts of interest in a case involving one of its most senior employees.
However, Greenberg, who was the Canterbury chief when the alleged cover-up took place in February, will not have to stand down while the investigation runs its course.
ARL Commission chief operating officer Jim Doyle confirmed Sydney barrister Tony Bannon, SC, would begin his review on Tuesday. The Bulldogs have been asked to supply all records of the events leading up to their decision in February this year. ''It's going to be an independent rather than myself or [NRL integrity officer] Nick Weekes, someone who is totally independent because they are going to have to focus a good amount of time on it,'' Doyle said.
''It needs to be very clear and transparent, done from an independent third party, so we can get their findings or recommendations … It is our intention that the review will be completed as soon as possible but it is ultimately up to Mr Bannon to determine the final time-frame.''
Asked if Greenberg would be stood down during the process, Doyle said: ''No, I wouldn't think so. That's what the investigation is for. I don't see why we should do anything until the investigation is finished.''
The ARLC announced the formation of an integrity unit on February 7 - two weeks before Barba's partner, Ainslie Currie, fronted Greenberg with concerns about the welfare of the Dally M medallist. The next day the club announced Barba had been stood down indefinitely to deal with personal issues, which were subsequently reported as gambling and alcohol problems.
When Fairfax Media contacted Doyle on Saturday, he was unaware of the existence of a photograph allegedly of Barba's partner with a bloodied mouth. The investigator will grill Greenberg on why that matter was not brought to the integrity unit's attention until it was published by News Ltd on Sunday. Currie, through her lawyer, maintained she was not the victim of domestic violence.
''No formal complaint has been made to NSW Police in relation to this matter and as a result there is no investigation,'' a police spokesperson said.
The pair have recently reconciled and Canterbury have granted Barba a release from the final two years of his contract to follow Currie north and join Brisbane. However, it is understood the Broncos were unaware of the domestic violence allegations.
Greenberg did not return calls on Monday.
On Friday, Brisbane's major sponsor, NRMA Insurance, extended their association with the club. When asked about Barba's impending move to the Broncos, an NRMA Insurance spokesperson said: ''We've had a long and strong association with the Broncos since 2004 and trust their leadership and management on and off the field.''
Likewise, Canterbury's backer, Jaycar Electronics, remains committed to the club despite more negative headlines.
''I abhor any violence that men inflict on women,'' said Jaycar managing director Gary Johnston.
''To be fair, the alleged victim has made it quite clear - if in fact the victim is Ben Barba's partner - that she is strongly denying it through her lawyer.
''I can't accept any position but what she says. The focus was very much on Ben because there wasn't any real talk about anyone apart from him at the time. I was totally supportive and still am.''
