Ben Barba Barba could be NRL bound after French axing

BEN Barba’s French rugby dream is over with the Cronulla premiership hero cast adrift by Toulon, paving the way for a return to the NRL this year.

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BEN Barba’s French rugby dream is over after the Cronulla premiership hero was cast adrift by Toulon, paving the way for a shock return to the NRL this year.

The French giants have told the former Dally M player of the year he is not part of the club’s plans once their season ends in a matter of weeks.

Toulon are a loss away from being bundled out of the Top 14 competition, meaning Barba could eye an NRL comeback as early as this month.

But he still needs to serve a 12-game suspension for a second strike under the NRL’s illicit drug policy. Cronulla axed Barba for taking cocaine during the club’s 2016 premiership celebrations.

Barba will Wallaby Drew Mitchell after his debut for Toulon in France.

If Barba returns in time for round 12, he won’t be eligible for selection until the final round of the competition, with teams yet to have either of their two byes.

Any club who signs Barba will need to pay what the NRL deems a fair price for him, with the knowledge he will play see little first grade this year.

Barba’s manager Chris Orr told the Courier Mail he would begin scouring the NRL and Super Rugby markets for potential clubs.

“If it is true, then I will do my job and look for options,” Orr said.

“I will look at Super League and rugby union, but Benny would ideally like to play NRL again.

“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.

Ben Barba could be set for an NRL comeback. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“The market is now in overdrive and guys are getting $900,000 plus, so Ben would be good value for any club at $500,000.”

Barba will need to front the NRL integrity unit’s to explain his actions and present a clear path for rehabilitation before any all clear is given to resume his career.

NRL clubs such as the Wests Tigers and Canterbury are on the lookout for a fullback, while it is understood Barba has floated the possibility of staying in France to continue his rugby career.

The 27-year-old shocked the NRL after walking out on the game to sign a rich $2.5 million two-and-a-half year deal with Toulon earlier this year despite Cronulla’s efforts to entice him back.

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Barba has played just 96 minutes for Toulon this season.

His cards were marked when former England rugby league international and ex-South Queensland Crusher Mike Ford was dumped as Toulon boss last month, replaced by Richard Cockerill.

It was Ford who wanted Barba to join him in southern France, but Barba has been unable to replicate the form which helped lead Cronulla to premiership glory.

He has started just one game at inside centre, and has not featured for Toulon since their 17-11 loss to Stade Francais on March 27. He played just five minutes in his debut game off the bench and has struggled for significant game time throughout the season.

Barba’s agent Gavin Orr did not return calls on Wednesday.

Earlier this week Barba and his family were pictured alongside ex-NRL players Greg Bird, Justin Horo and Krisnan Inu. The trio play for French-based English Super League club Catalans.

Barba’s 12-game ban does not need to be enforced by the English Super League, however it is understood there is a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ between the Super League and the NRL to respect each other’s sanctions.

If Barba serves the ban in England, he will be allowed to return to the NRL without further punishment.

Parramatta flyer Semi Radradra will link with Toulon at the end of the NRL season on a one-year deal, with an option in his favour for a second season.