Manager plots Ben Barba’s next move, with NRL return on cards

INTERESTED NRL clubs will have to pay $600,000 to sign Ben Barba as the former Sharks fullback eyes a return to rugby league after his French rugby axing.

Ben Barba could return to the NRL. Picture: Mark Evans

THE NRL will place a $600,000 price tag on Ben Barba as the former Sharks fullback eyes a return to rugby league after severing ties with rugby giants Toulon.

Barba’s management was exploring options in all codes, including the English Super League, after his $2.5 million move to France sensationally unravelled.

A leading French newspaper reported Barba has been advised he is unwanted by Toulon next season, leaving the former Dally M golden boy in financial and sporting limbo.

DENIED: Sharks don’t want Barba

Drew Mitchell and Ben Barba after the former NRL star made his debut for Toulon in France.

Barba will pocket $500,000 for his 96 minutes of service for Toulon, with his agent Chris Orr now scouring the marketplace in a move that could see the 28-year-old return to the NRL this year.

But Barba will not simply waltz back into the NRL. He was on $650,000 when he left the Sharks in February following his cocaine ordeal and the NRL integrity unit will apply a notional figure for any club wishing to purchase Barba.

The Courier-Mail understands the NRL will not accept clubs paying less than $600,000 for the full year of any deal Barba signs for 2018.

His earnings this season would be negligible as Barba has yet to serve his 12-match cocaine ban — meaning he would only be available for the final month of the premiership.

The NRL integrity unit would also meet with Barba to assess whether he is a fit and proper person to return to the code.

It is understood Barba was advised of Toulon’s decision a month ago following the sacking of coach Mike Ford, but Orr was shocked by the development.

“I’ve heard from no club official at Toulon,” Orr said. “I’m currently trying to contact the club. I spoke to Ben three days ago and he mentioned nothing about being released.

“He was catching up with Greg Bird (former Titans forward now playing for Catalans) in France, he spoke to me and he said he was finding it hard not playing regularly. He’s not getting a run and Mike Ford, his former coach, has been moved on.

“Since then, we’re hearing he’s gone at Toulon.”

Ben Barba could return to the NRL — if clubs are willing to pay. Picture: Mark Evans

Orr said if the reports are accurate, he will begin the search for a new home for Barba immediately.

The former Dally M star played a key role in Cronulla’s fairytale premiership win last season but a return to the Sharks is highly unlikely.

The Wests Tigers and Bulldogs would have room for Barba but it is doubtful Canterbury would formally express interest after his turbulent stint at Belmore.

“If it is true, a very talented athlete is on the market and I will do my job,” Orr said. “I will look at Super League, rugby union and the NRL.

“It’s unlikely he would return to the Sharks. In previous chats with him he said if I return, I can’t see myself moving back to Sydney in any capacity. The first thing is to glean Ben’s exact position at Toulon and we will go from there.

“A return to the NRL is certainly possible. If he didn’t have the unfortunate incident last year, he would still be playing in the NRL.”

Originally published as Manager plots Ben Barba’s next move, with NRL return on cards