If Ben Barba returns to rugby league, the NRL have confirmed he will still face a lengthy suspension.
Barba was granted a release from his contract by Cronulla after he returned a positive drugs test, believed to be cocaine, in the days following the Sharks’ grand final victory over Melbourne in October.
The positive test prompted Barba to seek professional help, where he will head overseas to attend what the club called an “intensive” rehabilitation program.
Barba has also been given a 12-match suspension for returning his second positive sample under the NRL’s illicit drug testing program – his first contravention being recorded last year.
As a result of the second contravention, Barba must face a mandatory 12-match ban.
NRL head of integrity Nick Weeks confirmed Barba’s second sample was not related to performance enhancing drugs and had been recorded after the grand final.
The NRL confirmed that, given Barba has been released from his contract with Cronulla, the suspension will apply if he returns to the NRL, either with the Sharks or another club.
Weeks said the NRL was working with the club to offer support for Barba and his family and that three players had now been suspended under the NRL’s independent illicit drug testing program.
“The league will continue to extend support to Ben Barba but this should serve as a warning to all players of one of the potential consequences of using illicit drugs,” he said.
