The North Queensland Cowboys have sacked star recruit Ben Barba following an incident at a casino in Townsville, Australia.

Fairfax media reports there is CCTV footage of the alleged incident at a Townsville Casino on Australia Day and the police are investigating.

There are allegations he physically assaulted his partner.

Zero Tackle reports that in response, the Cowboys have terminated Barba’s contract for a significant breach of the terms of his contract.

After an internal investigation, it has been determined that Barba acted in contradiction to both the terms and the spirit of that agreement.