Beyond belief! Ben Barba’s first strike was Mad Monday 2015

TO highlight the stupidity of Ben Barba’s latest cocaine bust, you will hardly believe when he tested positive for the first time. WHAT’S THE BUZZ PART 1.

Ben Barba tested positive to cocaine during the 2015 Mad Monday celebrations and repeated the effort this year. Picture: Gregg Porteous

BEN Barba knew the dangers of using drugs on Mad Monday better than most.

To highlight the stupidity of his latest cocaine bust, we can reveal it was on the very same day last year that he was first caught using the drug at end-of-season celebrations.

Yep, Mad Monday 2015. Strike one.

The Sharks were informed in November last year the star fullback had tested positive after they bowed out of the competition in the second week of the finals against the Cowboys.

When the players arrived home from Townsville, CEO Lyall Gorman even declared he had banned Mad Monday and vowed: “You won’t see a drunk footballer around the Shire today.

Ben Barba tested positive to cocaine during the 2015 Mad Monday celebrations and repeated the effort this year. Picture: Gregg Porteous

“Mad Mondays no longer exist at our place. We’ve grown above all that and don’t believe in it. We’re not partying.”

Obviously Barba took no notice. And Gorman was almost right. No drunks but a drug user. Under NRL policy it was kept hush hush with only Gorman, the club doctor and welfare officer aware of the first indiscretion.

For all she has been through, Barba’s partner Ainslie is showing remarkable support and resilience.

On Monday morning your columnist saw them walking along the Cronulla esplanade looking like any happy couple. A few hours later he was on the plane.

BUZZ: Saint, Sinner, Shoosh

TRUMPED

The Cronulla Sharks had planned to minimise damage from the Ben Barba cocaine scandal by announcing it on Wednesday to coincide with the US election. That way it would have been buried in the sports pages instead of page one of the Daily Telegraph. But the story story broke two days earlier than the club had hoped.

Jackson Hastings will be looking for a club in 2017. Pic Darren England.

HASTINGS UP THE RIVER

Unwanted Sydney Roosters five-eighth Jackson Hastings is facing a demotion to the Wyone Kangaroos in the NSW Cup next year. His manager has been looking for opportunities in the NRL and Egnalish Super League but can’t find a club that’s interested. The Rooster were even prepared to pay reasonable portion of his contract at a rival side — but still no takers. Mitchell Pearce and Souths recruit Luke Keary will be the Roosters starting halves in 2017.

EELS FANS STICK SOLID

Parramatta’s move to ANZ Stadium next year is proving surprisingly popular with their fans. Membership numbers are already ahead of the 2017 forecast following a price freeze as a result of last season’s salary cap scandal and all the other debacles coach Brad Arthur had to deal with. The Eels had a membership of 25,0000 — one of the NRL’s largest this season — and have an ambitious target of 27,000 for next season.

Alex McKinnon and Teigan Power have sent out “save-the-date” wedding invitations. Pic Paul Barkley

WEDDING BELLS FOR INSPIRATIONAL DUO

ALEX McKinnon and his beautiful fiancee Teigan Power are getting married next year. They are an absolute inspiration to us all and it completes their wonderful love story. Guests have been sent a “save the date” invitation for October next year.

The couple have shied away from publicity about the wedding. Rest assured it will be a star-studded event with guests including Wayne Bennett, Darius Boyd, Trent Merrin, Danny Buderus and the author of his book, Sunday Tele colleague Dave Riccio.

NO WAY BACK

IT is highly unlikely to happen but there was some talk at the Cronulla Sharks about trying to sign retiring hooker Michael Ennis to a $1 contract and getting him registered at the NRL. That way he could play on big match payments if there was an injury crisis during State of Origin. Ennis, 32, was back at training during the week in his new role with Shane Flanagan’s coaching staff and insists he is retired for good.

HUGE CASH FOR BIG BASH

CHANNEL 7 is poised to throw its chequebook at Cricket Australia to secure summer’s hottest television product — the Big Bash cricket. Channel 10’s $20 million-a-year contract expires in 2018 and the network will be doing everything possible to retain the rights. With Seven and Nine also interested, there is talk the new rights deal will treble to $60 million a season. Seven insists it can also cover the Australian Open tennis.

Originally published as Beyond belief! Ben Barba’s first strike was Mad Monday 2015