Disgraced former NRL and Super League star Ben Barba has set the wheels in motion for a sensational return to the top level.
Barba was de-registered from the NRL in 2019 following numerous off-field misdemeanours – a move which was supported by the Queensland Rugby League (QRL) and a move that seemingly ended any hopes of Barba rekindling the type of form that earned him numerous honours in the early 2010s.
But, after walking free from the Mackay Magistrates Court following the allegation of assaulting his brother-in-law, Barba was given the green light by the Mackay District Rugby League to play community rugby league back in April of this year.
Barba was recently snapped in a a photo taken at the recent Paul Bowman Challenge – an under 9s community carnival that lasts for two days with the emphasis being on participation, good sportsmanship and encouragement.
Named in honour of former Proserpine Junior Rugby League player, Paul Bowman is a legend of the game having played 203 games for the Cowboys between 1995 and 2007.
And, Barba was a main star of the shaw alongside current Cronulla Sharks – a team Barba used to play for – stars Braydon Trindall and Ronaldo Mulitalo as well as Wests Tigers three-quarter James Roberts.
Aged 32, Barba is perhaps looking for one last contract before he retires for good, but he will forever be remembered at St Helens in the Super League competition for the way in which he lit up the league towards the back end of 2017 and in 2018.
The former Saint was hankering over a return to Super League earlier this year and claimed in a newspaper interview that he regretted ever leaving the Lancashire club.
Meanwhile, the Red Vee moved on spectacularly, signing Lachlan Coote who has helped the club to three straight Grand Final successes.
