Ben Barber

Sharks prepared to offer Barba revised contract

The father of four flew to Thailand on Monday night to seek treatment after it was revealed he returned a second positive test for cocaine.

Barba, who tested positive four days after starring in Cronulla’s maiden grand final victory, has been handed a 12-match ban by the NRL.

He was released from his deal with the Sharks to allow him to address personal issues, however it is understood the Sharks have already discussed a revised deal if the former Dally M Medalist can conquer his demons.  

Barba close to his best

On the back of his Dally M Medal-winning season of 2012 Barba scored three tries and was named man of the match in the 2013 All Stars game but two weeks later was stood down by the Bulldogs for behavioural issues and breaking the club's code of conduct.

His personal life became newspaper fodder and by the end of the season he had requested a release from Canterbury to join the Broncos and reunite with his young family.