Cronulla have declared they would welcome back fallen premiership hero Ben Barba with open arms should he seek an NRL return.
Despite boasting a plethora of fullback options in Valentine Holmes, Matt Moylan and Josh Dugan, Sharks coach Shane Flanagan says he would one day like to see Barba backin the black, white and blue.
The 28-year-old looked electric in the English Super League season opener for St Helens last weekend, scoring two tries and having a hand in another four.
After being suspended for 12 games for his second drug strike in late 2016, Barba had an unfruitful stint in French Rugby before signing with St Helens until the end of 2019.
Following his man-of-the-match display against Castleford, Barba said he desired to one day return to the NRL.
"I know Benny made some poor decisions and he knows that, he's grown up, he's learnt the hard way.
"He's had to go to another country and move his whole family. For those actions, he's paid a big price.
"From my perspective and most of the people at the club, we'd like to think that Benny would want to come back to our club.
"When that is, I'm not quite sure. He's got a couple-year deal at St Helen's. If it does materialise, from our perspective, we'd like to see him back."
Ben Barba celebrates with team mates after winning the 2016 NRL Grand Final. Photo / Getty images
Barba will forever be considered a Cronulla premiership hero after his memorable scrumbase trick play with Paul Gallen which gave the Sharks an early lead in the 2016 grand final before they went on to a claim a drought-breaking 14-12 win over Melbourne.
Flanagan said the club still kept in close contact with Barba to ensure his wellbeing, despite him having left over a year ago.
"From a welfare perspective, we talk to his wife a fair bit, our welfare blokes keep in contact with him," Flanagan said.
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