MOVE OVER JT, BARBA TAKES THE SPOTLIGHT
BEN Barba is returning home to the NRL to play for the North Queensland Cowboys.
Barba will help spearhead the post-Johnathan Thurston era in Townsville next season with the Mackay product on the verge of inking a deal with the Cowboys.
Barba’s management have been in discussions with Cowboys hierarchy for the past fortnight.
Sources last night confirmed Barba’s move is a done deal with North Queensland to formally announce his signing next week after Thurston’s farewell against the Titans tomorrow.
The 29-year-old is in superb form in the English Super League, but has unfinished business in the NRL and is hoping to reprise the brilliance that saw him win the 2012 Dally M Medal and help Cronulla to the NRL title.
Formerly the code’s best player, Barba is expected to play fullback next season in the No.1 jumper made famous by Cowboys legend Matt Bowen.
Barba’s English club St Helens are aware of North Queensland’s interest and will broker a release pending a transfer fee from the Cowboys, who have money to spend following the retirement of Thurston.
It is understood North Queensland have agreed to a one-year deal only to ensure Barba proves himself worthy of a longer-term contract following his cocaine scandal at Cronulla in 2016.