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.
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media_cameraBarba 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 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.