AAP

Des Hasler says Ben Barba’s absence will not hinder Canterbury as they open their NRL season without the Dally M Medallist.

The superstar fullback has been stood down indefinitely due to off-field issues and Hasler did his best to avoid questions about the 23-year-old on Tuesday.

“Benny is working away at what he has to do. It’s pretty well documented what he has to do and we’ll leave it to the professionals,” Hasler said.

Hasler bristled when asked if his absence had affected his side’s preparations for their season opener against North Queensland on Saturday in Gosford.

“How’s it affected our preparations?” he said.

“We have plenty of experience at the back. We have (Sam) Perrett, (Steve) Turner, (Krisnan) Inu can play there.

“Experience is the appropriate thing right now.”

Hasler will name his side later on Tuesday with Turner likely to be selected at fullback.”