Sharks superstar Ben Barba in cocaine crisis just days after 2016 NRL Premiership win

UPDATE: The Cronulla Sharks have confirmed Ben Barba has left the country after testing positive to cocaine just days after the grand final win. The news comes as the club moved to dump the troubled star.

Ben Barba during a Cronulla Sharks recovery session at the Sutherland Leisure Centre. Picture: Gregg Porteous

UPDATE: The Cronulla Sharks have confirmed Ben Barba has left the country after testing positive to cocaine just days after the grand final win.

The news comes as the club confirmed it had released the troubled star.

In a statement this morning, Sharks chief executive Lyall Gorman said Barba had been granted an immediate release from his contract to address “significant personal issues.”

“While this decision has not been easy for either party there is full agreement that it is one made in the best interests of Ben, his young family and our Club.”

The revelations have shattered the club’s grand final celebrations

Ben Barba faces a 12 game suspension after allegedly testing positive to cocaine. Picture: Mark Evans

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Barba was tested four days after the grand final victory over Melbourne Storm as the players celebrated the club’s first ever premiership after 50 years in the competition.

Barba and the club were notified by the NRL of the positive result two weeks ago. It is the second time he has tested positive to recreational drugs.

The Sharks are supporting the superstar fullback, who is about to leave the country to get treatment at a Thailand rehabilitation centre.

Under the NRL drugs policy, a second strike means an automatic 12-match suspension although there were suggestions last night Barba would be lodging an appeal.

Ben Barba with partner Ainslie. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Barba spent yesterday in Cronulla with his partner Ainslie and young family. They were spotted walking along the Cronulla esplanade before he flies out in the next 48 hours.

He will be accompanied by the Sharks’ welfare officer Shane Smith.

The former Bulldogs and Broncos fullback previously spent time in rehab in 2013 to deal with anger issues and a gambling addiction.

It was thought he had turned his life around at the Sharks this season where he returned to the form that saw him become Dally M champion in 2012.

Barba celebrates with the crowd after the Sharks’ victory over the Storm in the NRL grand final. Picture: Getty Images

A spokesman for the NRL declined to comment last night when asked if the integrity unit was handling Barba’s case.

In September The Daily Telegraph revealed all NRL clubs and players had been warned of a Mad Monday blitz on party drugs as hundreds of footy stars began their end-of-season celebrations.

It’s the second time the talented fullback has tested positive for illict substances. Picture: Mark Cranitch.

Ben Barba celebrates after scoring a try during the Sharks’ grand final win over Storm this year. Picture: AAP

“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,” said integrity unit boss Nick Weeks says in an email to all the clubs.

He added: “This is a risk period for players and clubs so please take this opportunity to remind players about the league’s expectations (and the rules) in relation to illicit drugs.”