Ben Barba ditching Cronulla Sharks, accepts 2.5 year contract with French rugby

POLL: BEN Barba says he was forced to sign a multimillion-dollar deal with Toulon due to his crippling financial situation while serving his NRL drugs ban.

Ben Barba has confirmed he will take up an offer to play rugby in France. Picture: Gregg Porteous

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BEN Barba claims he had no option but to sign a multimillion-dollar deal with French rugby club Toulon due to his crippling financial situation while serving an NRL drugs ban.

Barba released a statement via his management on Thursday morning claiming he linked with Toulon because he had been unemployed since October.

“The fact is I am a father of four little girls and like other fathers I am the primary income earner for my family,” Barba said.

“Since October, I have been unemployed and I have financial commitments like any other father, I am a professional athlete with a set of skills which I can’t earn a living from in this country and I needed a job.

“It was advised that my contract with the Sharks was not going to be registered until just before round 12 which placed the “club” in a difficult position regarding their financial position and if or how I may earn an income through this period.”

Barba had hoped to resume his league career in Australia after playing for Toulon while serving his 12-game cocaine suspension but the NRL refused to register former Dally M winner’s contract until his return.

It’s why the fullback has signed a $2.5 million dollar deal with Toulon for the next two and a half years. Barba said the NRL failed to outline a clear pathway, forcing his hand.

“I will say that until yesterday afternoon I had no clear pathway outlined to me of how I was entering back into rugby league,” he said.

Ben Barba’s NRL ban won’t start until he is back from France.

“A phone call from NRL CEO Todd Greenberg provided me for the first time since October a clear picture of my position which I thank Todd for taking the time to contact me and discuss it, also I openly provided him with my current circumstances.”

While Barba is excited to join Toulon, he conceded his exit from league was his own fault.

“In regard to the incident at the back end of last year, I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said.

“I made a terrible mistake and I own it and will have to live it.

“I have four young daughters which will one day ask the question about how I won a grand final with my best mates at the Sharks and then made a poor choice which changed my life and my reputation forever, that is a hard conversation I am not looking forward to”.

The Sharks premiership-winner said he was now focused on proving his worth in rugby union.

“I am happy with my decision and I am very much looking forward to the challenge and the new chapter in my life,” he said.

Ben Barba arrives to talk with manager Gavin Orr who was having a meeting with Shark's Football manager Phil Moss at a cafe in Woolooware. pic Mark Evans

“It’s a fresh start and hopefully a successful one, I wish my teammates at the Sharks all the very best for the 2017 season.

“To the rugby league fans and community please believe me when I say rugby league has given me everything and I owe rugby league and the many fans, volunteers and administers for the tremendous work they do as without them I would never have had the privilege to play rugby league at the highest levels.”

Barba also clarified comments he made on television that the “NRL haven’t given me much”.

The fullback said he was referring to the NRL’s lack of information regarding his return, not his appreciation for the sport.

Cronulla also released a statement on Thursday confirming Barba had accepted a long-term contract to join the Toulon Rugby Union Club in France.

Ben Barba speaking outside of his house on Wednesday.

“We are of the understanding the contract with Toulon will be effective immediately,” the statement said.

“Ben believes accepting this offer to be in the best interests of himself and his family.

“While disappointed to be losing a player of his calibre, the welfare of Ben and his family is our main priority and we are supportive of the decision he has made.”