ACT Policing has confirmed an ongoing investigation into allegations against Canberra rugby league coach Ashley Barnes, whose appointment to the Woden Valley Rams was recently blocked by the sport's governing body.
Police Investigation Revealed
The Canberra Times can exclusively reveal that police are investigating an alleged incident involving Barnes that occurred at a licensed club in Civic during September 2024. The investigation comes at a critical time for the coach and the club that sought to reappoint him.
An ACT Policing spokesperson stated: "ACT Policing can confirm it recently received a report of an incident that allegedly occurred at a private function in a licensed club in the city in September 2024. The investigation into this matter is ongoing."
Club Controversy and Governing Body Intervention
The Woden Valley Rams had signed Barnes as head coach for the 2026 Canberra Raiders Cup season, despite having sacked him just one year earlier over alleged inappropriate conduct. This decision created immediate division within the club structure.
The appointment caused such concern that the Rams' Katrina Fanning Shield team considered moving to another club in protest. While they ultimately decided to remain with the Rams, the situation highlighted the depth of feeling about Barnes' potential return to coaching.
The NSW Rugby League intervened decisively, with Canberra Region Rugby League general manager Mark Vergano writing to the Rams on Tuesday to inform them that Barnes would not be registered as a coach - even if the club applied.
Conditions and Code of Conduct Concerns
The Rams had proposed several conditions for Barnes' return, including an alcohol ban and clear boundaries on communication with female players. The club also planned to appoint at least two member protection information officers and review their code of conduct to include specific policies about male entry into female change rooms.
However, Vergano noted that most of these conditions were already standard requirements under existing NRL and NSWRL codes of conduct. He described the situation as "a timely reminder to the league, clubs and players about their obligations under those codes of conduct."
Barnes has a significant coaching history with the Rams, having led them to the Canberra Raiders Cup preliminary final just weeks before his initial dismissal last year. He also coached the team to the 2018 premiership, demonstrating his capability as a coach despite the current controversy.
The situation remains fluid as the police investigation continues and the rugby league community watches closely to see how the governing body's decision will affect player retention and club dynamics moving forward.
