Bulldogs superstar Ben Barba subjected to vile attacks on social media BEN Barba has been subjected to vile attacks on social media, including threats to his daughters, as his own fans turn on him for wanting to be near his family next year. On Sunday night, Barba posted a photo of a beach on Instagram captioned with, "Miss the QLD weather! #beautifulOneDay#spectacularTheNext." It was viewed as a taunt by anguished Bulldogs fans who relentlessly abused the superstar fullback. He was labelled a "maggot," "lowlife scum" and was "hiding behind his kids, shameful act." Some of his "followers" were adamant his recent posts were deliberately antagonising Bulldogs supporters. Ben Barba is brought down. "Hurry up and f*** off, the bulldogs stuck by u and don't say it's for the kids because u didn't care about them when u where out on the rack and partying with EBC (Epic Bender Crew)," one post said. The worst of the abuse came last week when a person on Twitter responded to a photo Barba posted of his daughter with putrid threats. Barba, to his credit, refused to return abuse. Big man you are writing about my kids u fool. Be a man and come see me," was all Barba said to the post. NRL Bulldogs star player Ben Barba Picture: Craig Greenhill This is the latest example of a growing trend where league fans taunt NRL stars online. Canberra Raiders fans have also turned on Anthony Milford. Barba and Milford are both expected to line up for the Brisbane Broncos next year. For Barba his likely move is because he wants to be near his two daughters and ex-partner Ainslie Currie, who are relocating to Brisbane. Ben Barba in action for the Bulldogs. Milford's Inala-based father Halo is ill and he is homesick. Anthony Milford carrying on like a good sort. You have played 8 first games if that #SuckItUpPrincess #BreakALeg," was one of several abusive messages to his Twitter account. Broncos prop Sam Thaiday last week revealed a "troll" on Twitter who once subjected him to racist taunts later apologised. If anything, it was more of a rage after the State of Origin. That's understandable sometimes it would be pretty tough being in that situation. The NRL is also investigating a racist Twitter attack on Greg Inglis. Bulldogs captain Michael Ennis yesterday supported Barba's request for a release but said his club needed to find a replacement for him first. "I totally understand Ben's personal situation but at the same time I want to win a premiership and I have to imagine that we have to get a suitable replacement," Ennis said on Sky Sports Radio. That can't be done in a week. I don't understand the solution. I understand his personal view and the club's view in wanting to find a suitable replacement. Barba took to Instagram again yesterday, providing an insight into how he is dealing with the stress. He posted a photo of a Buddha, with the quote "No one saves but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.