Ben Barba’s drugs ban costly but Cronulla Sharks may re-sign fallen NRL star

CRONULLA fullback Ben Barba will be significantly out of pocket due to his 12-match drugs ban but he could be back playing for the Sharks in 2017.

Ben Barba of the Sharks celebrates a try during the Cronulla Sharks v Melbourne Storm NRL Grand Final at ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park, pic Mark Evans

BEN Barba’s illicit drug suspension will cost him a staggering $350,000 while his only hope of playing with Cronulla again is if he can prove he has exorcised his off-field demons.

Barba’s chequered career is at a final crossroad after he checked in to the same Thailand drug rehabilitation facility which treated Sydney Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce earlier this year.

The 27-year-old flew out of Sydney on Monday night, leaving his partner Ainslie Currie and their four young daughters — Bobbi, Bodhi, Bronte and Blaise — at their Caringbah home.

Barba was advised just 19 days after scoring his historic try in the Sharks’ grand final win that he had tested positive to cocaine for a second time in 12 months. His first offence was recorded last year.

On Tuesday the NRL confirmed that under the code’s second strike policy, Barba would be handed a mandatory 12-match suspension while the Cronulla club reacted by releasing the fullback from the final year of the $650,000 contract.

A clearly troubled Barba described the hammer blow as a relief.

“I am accountable for myself and my actions and if I don’t address them now I will certainly ruin my career and more importantly my life and that of my family,’’ Barba said.

Ben Barba had been one of the stars in the Sharks’ drive to winning their first ever premiership. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“As footballers we often find it hard to speak up about having problems, but this decision has lifted so much pressure off myself that I cannot start to explain just how much better I feel by taking this action.’’

Fronting a press conference Tuesday, Sharks chief executive Lyall Gorman said he was “surprised” and “disappointed” in Barba’s blatant disregard for the NRL’s warning to every club prior to the annual “Mad Monday” celebrations.

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Gorman said no other players had received positive tests and he was reluctant to discuss the prospect of Barba playing for the Sharks in 2017.

However, it’s understood Barba’s management is aware that should he return it would be with a drastically reduced contract.

Barba has checked in to The Cabin Rehabilitation Centre, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Lyall Gorman fronting a media conference in the wake of Ben Barba being released from his contract.

The Daily Telegraph has learned that given Barba could miss almost half the season due to suspension, a new playing contract worth $300,000 has been discussed.

“We have agreed to release Ben from his contract so that he can go away and work very hard on addressing some of the matters that are very relevant well past his playing days,’’ Gorman said.

“He’s at a centre undergoing an intensive program that is aimed at and hoped will help him start to address the personal issues that are so relevant to him and his ongoing future.

“I’m not too sure how long that program will take, but we as a club will continue to fully support him in every way we can. The highest level of priority is the welfare of both Ben and his wife and children.”

Just over a month ago, Ben Barba with Mick Ennis after scoring in the grand final. pic Mark Evans

Under the NRL illicit drug testing program policy, Barba is still eligible to train with the Sharks’ NRL squad despite not possessing a registered contract. In effect, Barba could return to pre-season training the same day he returns from Thailand.

Should he prove to Cronulla management he is mentally stable to be offered a new and reduced contract, it’s almost certain the fresh paperwork would be filled with behavioural KPIs.

It’s possible Barba could be available as early as round 10 of the 2017 season.

Offsetting the crisis is the Sharks have a ready-made replacement for Barba in Valentine Holmes or Jack Bird. Holmes is considered the long-term fullback option.

Gorman said no consideration had been given to using any or all of Barba’s $650,000 contract to purchase a replacement outside back for next season.

Originally published as Ben Barba’s drugs ban costly but Cronulla Sharks may re-sign fallen NRL star