Canterbury coach Des Hasler has backed the club’s handling of Ben Barba’s early season suspension, the under siege fullback giving his injured ankle a good workout in avoiding the media at Sydney Airport.

Not named to play against Brisbane on Thursday night due to the injury, Barba looked in good nick as he bounded up the stairs on Wednesday, desperately trying to avoid being detected by reporters already engaged in an interview.

Hasler said the Dally M medal winner has still not been given the green light to face the Broncos.

The Bulldogs coach spoke out about the circumstances surrounding the club’s standing down of Barba in February, after weekend newspaper reports of an alleged assault on a female the day before Barba was suspended.

A photo was published showing blood coming from a woman’s lip.

Hasler confirmed Barba’s partner Ainslie Currie came to the club to voice concerns regarding the star fullback.

“I’m very comfortable with the procedure that the club has taken,” Hasler said.

“Obviously the alleged photo is disturbing but at the same stage the club never has received any complaint or any plaintiff in relation to that allegation.

Asked about Currie’s contact with the club, Hasler said: “At the time, when she came to us to speak, she came looking for support.

“I was quite happy with the procedure the club went through.”

As for Barba’s chances of facing the Broncos, Hasler was keeping his cards close to his chest.

“He hasn’t been named, but we’ll continue treatment with him.

“He hasn’t passed a fitness test.”