NRL integrity unit probe Barba claim The NRL's integrity unit has begun investigating Canterbury's actions in relation to standing down troubled star Ben Barba earlier this season. It follows a newspaper report that Barba, who will join Brisbane next season after being granted a release by the Bulldogs, was alleged to have punched a woman in the face the day before he was suspended. An NRL statement announcing the investigation described as "deeply disturbing" a photo of a woman's bleeding mouth published by the Sunday Telegraph. The newspaper report claimed Brisbane-bound star Barba's relationship with the club soured over an allegation he punched the woman early on February 24 and he has been on the outer with some players and officials since. Then Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg - now NRL head of football - stood Barba down indefinitely on February 25, citing unspecified behavioural issues and the fullback subsequently spent two weeks in a rehabilitation centre and missed the first three rounds of the NRL season. The newspaper claimed the woman had approached Greenberg and coach Des Hasler at Belmore Sports Ground and alleged Barba had hit her. However, it said, the Bulldogs were adamant they handled the situation correctly, with the woman insisting she would not report the matter to police despite both Hasler and Greenberg urging her to do so. The Bulldogs responded to Sunday's report by asking the NRL integrity unit to investigate the story's claims and the NRL was quick to launch its probe. "Any suggestion of violence against women is abhorrent and has no place in rugby league," the NRL said in a statement. At no stage has the NRL previously seen the image published today nor has it been aware of any injuries suffered as a result of physical abuse. Ben's partner Ainslie Currie has consistently denied any media suggestion of physical abuse and continues to do so. Currie issued a statement to Fairfax Media through her lawyer denying being the victim of domestic violence during their relationship. The head of the integrity unit, NRL chief operating officer Jim Doyle said: "We are not and have never been aware of a complaint in relation to Ben Barba. It is appropriate that an immediate review is conducted into the circumstances and that is already in train. The Sunday Telegraph alleged Bulldogs officials attempted to put the woman in a car and take her to police when she approached them. When an official said `no', the woman said the incident never took place. With the woman refusing to support the alleged claim, Bulldogs officials had reportedly been confident they took appropriate action, standing down Barba and having him agree to extensive rehabilitation and counselling. Last month Barba sought and was granted a release from the club, saying he wanted to remain near Currie and their two young daughters who were relocating to Queensland. He subsequently signed with the Brisbane club. And it said the club claimed Brisbane were also fully informed on Barba's off-field history and the Bulldogs helped to pick the Broncos as Barba's next club because they had a well-regarded welfare program that would continue his care. Castle was quoted as saying: "The Canterbury Bulldogs are entirely comfortable with the actions we have taken and processes we have followed in relation to Ben Barba." Canterbury said it would offer comment once the integrity unit investigation was completed. Brisbane, who withdrew an offer to Josh Dugan earlier this year after the controversial former Canberra fullback became involved in a spat with a fan on Twitter, refused to comment on the report concerning their new signing when contacted. Meanwhile, the NRL expressed concern for parties involved in the story. "It is important in the meantime to consider that we are also talking about the lives of individuals and we must also remain highly alert to the physical and mental well-being of all concerned," it said.