Ben Barba knew the risks when he took cocaine after the Sharks grand final win

BEN Barba knew he was twice as likely as other players to be drug tested after the grand final. But he couldn’t help himself writes Phil Rothfield.

Barba knew the risks.

BEN Barba knew the chances of him being drug tested after the Cronulla Sharks grand final victory were twice that of any other player.

Yet he couldn’t help himself.

Under the NRL’s drug policy, Barba was already subjected to target testing as a result of his previous use of cocaine 12 months earlier.

The policy states: “A first positive test results in the player receiving a suspended fine, and they must undertake a mandatory treatment program.

Barba knew he would be targeted after the grand final.

“The player is also placed on a monitoring program which involves targeted testing.”

Furthermore, the superstar fullback and every other NRL player was aware of a ‘Mad Monday’ crackdown at NRL headquarters in a story that was plastered over the front page of The Daily Telegraph.

In an email to the clubs, integrity unit boss Nick Weeks warned: “Players should be particularly aware that they are subject to testing in the period immediately following their team’s elimination from the competition, including after end-of-season celebrations and the like.”

Everyone knew about it but Barba couldn’t resist the temptation.

UPDATED: Barba released after drug test

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FUTURE: Where to now for Barba?

TIMELINE: The ups and downs of a varied career

Somewhere between the leagues club, Northies, the Caringbah Inn or local nightclub Fusions as the players celebrated their historic victory.

Now he has let his family and fans down, his teammates and the club.

A club that gave him the opportunity to resurrect his career when no one else wanted him.

Released by the Bulldogs, kicked out by the Broncos.

Signed by the Sharks after he promised to turn his life around.

So what does the future hold?

Could the Sharks bring Barba back?

The Cronulla Sharks will no doubt want him back next season.

We’re talking about a match winner and not a fringe first grader.

CEO Lyall Gorman is saying all the right things like “we’re only worried about his welfare and his family.”

Similar to what Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg said when Barba previously went into rehab to deal with anger issues and gambling problems.

But come round 12 next year when his suspension expires, you can rest assured the Sharks will have him back to help defend the premiership.

In rugby league, winning football games is more important than anything else.

Originally published as Ben Barba knew the risks when he took cocaine after the Sharks grand final win