Ben Barba doesn't look in life's rear vision mirror.
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He believes you have to focus on the future.
The Cronulla Sharks playmaker has signed for the next three years after having his playing services terminated by incoming coach Wayne Bennett one year into a three-year contract at the Brisbane Broncos.
The previous year he asked for a release from the Canterbury Bulldogs, where a series of life problems saw him seek professional counselling and move to Brisbane.
When Bennett said he couldn't fit him in, Barba had to find a club and fast — even pondering a switch to rugby union.
"That was one thing that was really worrying, that I might not end up at a club because of that," he said.
"There was a bit there where I was really thinking about changing codes.
"It was pretty tough and the one thing that was going through my mind was how I was going to support my family."
Enter Cronulla and coach Shane Flanagan, who was searching for an "X-factor" player who could score tries, make breaks and finish off promising attacking movements.
The Sharks and Broncos eventually reached a deal, which is believed to involve both clubs paying him about $400,000 a season.
Barba said he was now content and keen to repay the faith shown in him by Flanagan and the club.
"I am really glad to be here in Cronulla now and to be given another chance to continue my footy career," he said. "It feels like home being here at the Sharks.
"I have been made to feel welcome by the players and the people at the club. I feel settled.
"I am looking forward to the season."
When interviewed by Fairfax Media last November about his switch to the Sharks, Barba did not shy away from inevitable questions about his friendship with members of the Cronulla-based "Epic Bender Crew".
He said he was confident he would not fall back into the drinking and gambling binges that led to his undoing two years ago.
"They understand the situation and what started as a joke became national news, so it probably went a bit over the top, but they are good mates of mine and I will still continue to meet with them and have coffees with them," he said.
"A few years ago I probably didn't cope as well but over the last few years and getting back with my partner and being with my family again, I think that has really helped me.
"My partner Ainslie is probably my biggest critic, but she has also been my biggest help through all of this.
"Over time we were able to rebuild our relationship together.
"We just had another beautiful girl two weeks ago and one thing she reassured me was that she would follow me everywhere and she has got my back whenever.
"That was the only reason I came back here.
"If she didn't say that I wouldn't have come."
When he arrived at the Sharks, the 2012 Dally M Medal winner felt like "a fish out of water".
But with a full pre-season now behind him he is fit, familiar with his new teammates and entirely focused on what he can do for the Sharks on the field in his new role. "I am going to play five-eighth in a running role," Barba said.
"I have been working on combinations with halfback Jeff Robson in the off-season, which has been going well.
"But if I ever have to go back to play fullback if needed, I will."
Barba has played 122 NRL matches at two NRL clubs, the Bulldogs and Broncos, scoring 80 tries. Sharks fans are hoping for plenty more in his new club colours.
■ The Sharks play Canberra Raiders in their opening NRL game next Sunday at Remondis Stadium, Woolooware.
How will the Sharks go this season?
