Ben Barba might be on his way back to the NRL this season after being told he is surplus to requirements at French rugby club Toulon next season.
Toulon’s current season ends in just a few weeks and that means Barba, who was exiled from the NRL after testing positive for cocaine after Cronulla’s 2016 grand final win, could be set for a return.
Barba was signed until the end of 2019 by ex-Bath coach Mike Ford but the coach was sacked last month.
Toulon’s multi-millionaire boss Mourad Boudjellal told local press Barba did not fit in with the plans of new coach Fabien Galthie.
“He’s Mike Ford’s player,” Boudjellal said after the club’s final regular season game, listing Barba among a group of departing stars including ex-Wallabies Matt Giteau and Drew Mitchell.
The former Sharks fullback would still have to serve the 12-match NRL suspension that he received for a second strike under the NRL’s illicit drug policy.
Cronulla axed Barba for the positive test and it is unclear which NRL clubs might be willing to take a chance on the talented back given the recent dramas the game has had with players, football staff and cocaine.
It is understood that Barba will need to front the NRL integrity unit to explain his previous actions and set a clear path for his rehabilitation before a contract with an NRL club is approved.
Paul D
Roar Guru
I reckon if any NRL club is mad enough to sign him they will hold off on announcing it until there’s about 10-12 weeks left in the season this year – that way he can serve his suspension without any conjecture for his eligibility (and maybe have him as a wI reckon if any NRL club is mad enough to sign him they will hold off on announcing it until there’s about 10-12 weeks left in the season this year – that way he can serve his suspension without any conjecture for his eligibility (and maybe have him as a wildcard for finals) – with the option of having 1-2 games next year to finish it off so they can ease him into the side. But whoever picks him up shouldn’t expect any sort of loyalty, if he actually starts playing great footy again he’ll be off as soon as he can to whoever arrives first with the most money
E-Meter
Guest
You've got French rugby insiders?
Jeff Dustby
Guest
Rugby is proper professional in ably 7 countries
Jeff Dustby
Guest
You can't send him back he needs to accepted
Pete
Guest
Send him back to league from what i have been told from my French rugby insiders he is bad news struggled with rugby
Boz
Guest
But the clubs should be rating him as a person. Birds of a feather flock together. What kind of club do they want in the future?
Jock Cornet
Guest
Can't tackle one in one. How much of his contact did he keep.
Rellum
Roar Guru
The question is not whether I rate him as a person but how much of a risk are poor performing clubs going to take. It is not he is on his pat malone in that area either in the NRL. Anyone who abuses their partner can rot in hell as far as I am concerned. But some clubs will take that on board if he wins games.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Would be a brave NRL club who would take him with a 12 match suspension hanging over his head. Maybe a club like the Knights if they know they're not going to make the 8 might as well get him for the last 12 matches of the season so he can start playing fresh next year. I do think though that with a young team the Knights would be better of getting experienced players who would also be good role models for the youngsters and Barba is not one of those.
Joe
Roar Rookie
12 weeks suspension is for 2nd offence getting caught. The first offence is left up to the clubs discretion and if it isn't splashed all over the papers like the SKD/Jessie/Proctor is usually internal fines and counselling and nobody even knows. Everytime there's a players suddenly dropped to reserve grade for a couple of matches for no apparent reason I always suspect its a internal club punishment for getting caught...but then I'm a conspiracy theorist so suspicious of anything.
Boz
Guest
Really? I think I could find plenty who don't bash women and snort coke. Would you want him at your club?
Rellum
Roar Guru
I don't know if you have noticed but he is hardly on his pat malone with the snorting. By your criteria you would struggle to find enough players to fill a 17 man match day squad. Barba is no saint or role model but right now he is a talented full back who a few clubs would see value in. Unless they see him as a suspension risk.
Boz
Guest
Yeah, if Tigers and Newcastle don't give a toss about their club culture. If you're serious about rebuilding your club, then Ben Barba is the last thing you need.
matth
Guest
Let him play a season in the Queensland Cup. If he stays clean and shows commitment, then maybe someone should take the punt.
Rellum
Roar Guru
You would think someone like the Tigers or Newcastle could put him on the books now, on a scaling contract, $80k this year $800k next season and let him serve out his suspension. Assuming that is within the rules.
The eye
Guest
If you didnt see the performance you shouldnt be commenting...he couldnt have cared less..
Paul D
Roar Guru
Absolutely nonsense. He also biffed his girlfriend and had that one swept under the carpet after Nine head office leant on ACA not to broadcast the story.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
remember he was sacked and given 12 weeks suspension for the same thing as others getting 2 weeks suspension for… Thats not even close to correct.
Jacko
Guest
Paul if a particular employee does not want you then you go elsewhere dont you? Rugby is played all over the world. remember he was sacked and given 12 weeks suspension for the same thing as others getting 2 weeks suspension for...Also remember Cronulla players took Performance enhansing stuff and got 3 weeks....He feels victimised because he was victimised
Jacko
Guest
Well Ive watched a number of his games and he was showing plenty of promise as a winger and as a Fullback