NRL boss Todd Greenberg says Ben Barba ‘absolutely’ has a future in rugby league

JUST days after reaching out to Ben Barba’s partner, Todd Greenberg has assured the fallen Sharks will be welcomed back to the game albeit with one strict condition.

Ben Barba has a future in rugby league according to Todd Greenberg.

NRL boss Todd Greenberg says Ben Barba will be welcomed back to the game provided he can get his life on track amid suggestions the NRL could revamp its drug policy.

Barba was granted a release by the Sharks after testing positive for the second time to cocaine following the club’s premiership celebrations. His NRL career now hangs in the balance, with a 12 weeks suspension to be served should he find a willing suitor.

Greenberg said there was “absolutely” a place for Barba in the game.

“He has made some poor decisions and he pays a price for those,” Greenberg told the Sunday Telegraph in London. “If he does the work and does what is required, he will come back not only as a better person but hopefully play better football.

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Ben Barba has a future in rugby league according to Todd Greenberg.

“I’m disappointed by it. I hope he is now getting the help he needs. A lot of people see Ben Barba only as a footballer. I see him as a father, a husband and a person who has made poor decisions and I hope he takes the professional hope and guidance he is seeking and becomes a better person for it.”

Greenberg has a long association with Barba. He was at the helm of the Bulldogs in 2013 when Barba was stood down for “personal reasons”. But Barba looked to have resurrected his career at the Sharks this year.

Greenberg reached out to Barba’s partner and mother to his four children, Ainslie Currie last week.

“Ben has clearly made some poor decisions and some errors and has to pay a heavy price for that,” Greenberg said. “I think sometimes people forget that we’re dealing with human beings and families. I’ve known Ainslie for a long time and have always had a very high regard for her.

Ben Barba with his family.

“I gave her a call. I thought it was the right thing to do. I haven’t spoken with Ben. I’ve spoken to Ainslie so she had everything she needed. She has four little girls, the family is going to do it tough for a while. I wanted her to know that the game stands beside her. We are there to help her if she needs help.

“Sometimes people just need someone to talk to.”

Club’s can fine a player 10 per cent of their contract or sack them when a player returns a positive test for a second time. Greenberg confirmed the NRL’s drug policy is under review as part of the game’s collective bargaining agreement.

“Like a lot of things in the game, they will be up for debate with the RLPA (Rugby League Player’s Association) when we go through the collective bargaining agreement,’” Greenberg said. “This policy will be dissected for sure, as will many parts of the game.”