The Cronulla Sharks announced they have re-signed troubled fullback Ben Barba to a one-year deal on Wednesday, just months after he was let go by the club.
Barba was part of the Sharks’ drought-breaking premiership-winning side that beat the Melbourne Storm by two points in the thrilling 2016 grand final, but it was all downhill from there, with Barba testing positive to cocaine in November.
Given it was the fullback’s second strike against the NRL’s illicit substances policy, his contract with Cronulla was torn up and he checked in to a rehabilitation facility in Thailand, saying he needed to “take some time away from the game to deal with some personal issues.”
The NRL imposed a 12-match ban on Barba and a five per cent fine of his annual salary, which will apply to his new deal.
The Sharks are expected to implore the NRL to count the World Club Series and Auckland Nines as part of the ban for the superstar fullback, however should the game’s governing body refuse the request – as is expected – Barba will be unable to play or train with the club until Round 13 at the earliest.
The contract is still waiting to be ratified and accepted by the NRL.
When Barba does return, he will provide coach Shane Flanagan with a number of headaches over the side’s outside backs.
Kangaroos flyer Valentine Holmes had been touted as the man most likely to take Barba’s No.1 jersey, although NSW Blues utility Jack Bird is another possible replacement at the back for the 2012 Dally M winner.
But with Barba coming back, Flanagan will once again have to fit all three into his backline as he aims to follow up the Sharks’ maiden NRL premiership with a second in 2017.
The Barry
Roar Guru
It was never a 12 month ban.
BigJ
Roar Guru
easy, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY......MONEY!!!
Joe
Roar Rookie
The hypocrisy of Cronulla now asking the NRL to let Barba train with them as it would beneficial for him is breathtaking. If they hadn't sacked him he would have been able to train with them no problem but they did because they wanted to sign him up again 2 months later on a reduced contract so they could free up space for Segeyaro. If they were so concerned about his health and thought being around the club and training was the best thing for him why sack him in the first place.
Joe
Roar Rookie
ha! ha! Actually I think the Cronulla Sharks won't regret letting him go at all, they freed up salary cap space to sign a hooker which they badly needed...like Segeyaro so they'd be happy to let go a player who will only play half season. I agree though that he's a great buy for Cronulla Sharks.....they got him for half price and he's still a game breaking player and I suspect he will easily fit right into their game plans and structures.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
Great pick up for the Cronulla Sharks, and I can't help but think the Cronulla Sharks will regret letting him go.
SewingMachine
Guest
I wish it was Ennis..
The Barry
Roar Guru
NRL suspended him, Cronulla sacked him and it was for 12 weeks. Other than those minor details you've nailed it.
BigJ
Roar Guru
True but that is not the issue. The nrl has spent months trying to end or seriously damage Fifita's career for supporting his mate where no criminal activity occurred. But barba you committed a criminal offence and gets sacked and a twelve ban, so fair enough, but then he gets a new contract and only has to serve twelve weeks instead of twelve months. Jesus the nrl really needs to get its Sh!t together.
Dexter The Hamster
Guest
Well maybe players suspended for drug violations should still have their original contracted amount counted in the cap? It might be a bit unfair on the club, but no worse then having a player do a knee in pre-season, that salary is still included even though they wont be playing. I can see issues with it, but might be worth looking at.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Could somebody in the know correct me if I'm wrong but it's my understanding that he also won't be allowed to train with the Sharks during his suspension. Is this accurate? If so would be very interesting to see how he'd come into the side midway through the season. Especially if Holmes is carving up.
John
Guest
I would settle for blaming anyone named David.
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Keeps him fresh for the finals
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
He married an uptown girl - and a few of his close friends refer to him as Mullen-up
zim
Guest
Well played :)
BigJ
Roar Guru
This is an absolute joke, just another dumb thing that the NRL do, sack a man for drugs and then hire him back and half price to avoid the 12 month suspension, pathetic!!!!!
Crosscoder
Roar Guru
No mention of the World or Australia nor other codes by me Mark.You needs to relax.Life's too short. "Any other sport would have got rid of him",not on what I have seen in this country. I agree with your last point,stupidity by players drags the code down and I have stated it many times, which you are not aware .
Joe
Roar Rookie
Reading the details of this in the DT it doesn't sound right at all. Barba was on 700k for 2017 and given a 12 week suspension. Cronulla then sack him and then couple weeks later are signing him up again at half the price 350k because they're only signing him for half the season because he is suspended. That seems like an easy way to get around the salary cap for suspended players.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Hes probably on less than when he left one would think.
Celtic334
Guest
Happy for the man to be given an opportunity, however feel a season or so in lets say Japanese Rugby or ProD2 (French Rugby 2nd division) could of been better for him. Get away from the hyperbowl that is Syd and Bris in league. Still young enough to have returned for a few good years after a year away as well. Anyway good luck to the guy.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
The AFL only gives a suspension on the 2nd test, exactly like the NRL. I am pretty sure the NRL follows the ASADA rule book on doping and illicit drugs. But at least our players dont hide from testers.