jimmy_the_greek
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BEN Barba says he will leave the Bulldogs with a heavy heart and credits coach Des Hasler and former CEO Todd Greenberg for "saving my life".
Barba was officially granted a release by Canterbury on Wednesday to join the Brisbane Broncos on a three-year deal from 2014.
The Mackay product had another two years to run on his Bulldogs' deal but has been granted a compassionate release to follow ex-partner Ainslie Currie, who is moving to Brisbane with the pair's two young daughters.
BEN BARBA IS A SPECIAL GUEST ON NRL 360 WITH PAUL KENT TONIGHT. 7.30pm on FOX SPORTS 1
Barba sat out the first three rounds of the 2013 NRL season, spending time in rehab for alcohol, gambling and depression-related problems stemming from his break-up with Currie.
The reigning Dally M medallist credits Greenberg and Hasler for getting him through the tough times.
"These guys (Greenberg and Hasler) not only saved my footy career, but my life," Barba said.
"When I was struggling there at the start of the year these two guys stuck beside and kept me at the club and got my feet back on the ground. I can't be thankful enough for what they've done."
The deal: Barba signs with Broncos
Barba said his overwhelming emotion after finally sealing his future was relief.
"It's good to finally have a decision made. A lot of stuff's off my back," Barba said.
"It's stressful when you doing and you don't know what's going on. For a decision to be made, it's so much relief."
Barba said the move to Brisbane was essential so he could be close to his young daughters.
"They (my daughters) are the reason I do this is, to be able to support them and give them everything they want," he said.
"I said it from the start, it would have been very difficult me to stay down in Sydney and play my football knowing they are up there.
"I'm very thankful to the club and everyone involved for understanding that and allowing me to be closer to them."
http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/...m=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed#.Uh2P7NLinTp
Barba was officially granted a release by Canterbury on Wednesday to join the Brisbane Broncos on a three-year deal from 2014.
The Mackay product had another two years to run on his Bulldogs' deal but has been granted a compassionate release to follow ex-partner Ainslie Currie, who is moving to Brisbane with the pair's two young daughters.
BEN BARBA IS A SPECIAL GUEST ON NRL 360 WITH PAUL KENT TONIGHT. 7.30pm on FOX SPORTS 1
Barba sat out the first three rounds of the 2013 NRL season, spending time in rehab for alcohol, gambling and depression-related problems stemming from his break-up with Currie.
The reigning Dally M medallist credits Greenberg and Hasler for getting him through the tough times.
"These guys (Greenberg and Hasler) not only saved my footy career, but my life," Barba said.
"When I was struggling there at the start of the year these two guys stuck beside and kept me at the club and got my feet back on the ground. I can't be thankful enough for what they've done."
The deal: Barba signs with Broncos
Barba said his overwhelming emotion after finally sealing his future was relief.
"It's good to finally have a decision made. A lot of stuff's off my back," Barba said.
"It's stressful when you doing and you don't know what's going on. For a decision to be made, it's so much relief."
Barba said the move to Brisbane was essential so he could be close to his young daughters.
"They (my daughters) are the reason I do this is, to be able to support them and give them everything they want," he said.
"I said it from the start, it would have been very difficult me to stay down in Sydney and play my football knowing they are up there.
"I'm very thankful to the club and everyone involved for understanding that and allowing me to be closer to them."
http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/...m=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed#.Uh2P7NLinTp
