A transfer fee may be all that stands between Ben Barba and an NRL return after the ex-Cronulla star reportedly signed with the North Queensland Cowboys for 2019.
The former Dally M Medallist will be back in the NRL after inking a one-year deal to help the Cowboys tackle life after Johnathan Thurston, according to News Corp Australia.
But North Queensland reportedly need to pay a transfer fee to Barba's English Super League club St Helens to release him from the final year of his contract.
It is believed Barba, 29, will negotiate an early release from his UK club on compassionate grounds with his partner citing homesickness while raising their young family overseas.
The Cowboys were reportedly in talks with Barba over the past fortnight and were set to officially announce the fullback's signing next week following Thurston's farewell.
It would be the first sighting of Barba in the NRL since he was sacked by Cronulla and copped a 12-game NRL ban for testing positive to cocaine following the Sharks' 2016 maiden premiership.
"What a great story it would be if he does end up in Townsville," Barba's 2016 premiership teammate Michael Ennis told Fox Sports.
"Knowing what Barba is capable of I think he will be an enormous bonus for Paul Green and the Cowboys."
The Cowboys are believed to be keen to keep Barba longer but offered a one season deal in order for the once troubled X-factor to prove his long-term worth following the 2016 controversy.
The news looks set to shut down the Cowboys' interest in luring Cronulla fullback Valentine Holmes up north.
North Queensland had reportedly had discussions with Holmes' manager and were set to offer him a lucrative deal after November 1 when he became a free agent.
Barba's signing would be a perfect fit for the Cowboys who will farewell retiring playmaker Thurston in Saturday's NRL clash with Gold Coast Titans.
Barba looks set to take over the North Queensland No.1 jersey after the Cowboys moved on fullback Lachlan Coote for next year.
He may even do a straight swap with Coote after St Helens coach Justin Holbrook confirmed his interest in the 28-year-old Scotland international.
Barba had been in fine form in the UK, scoring 29 tries in as many games since linking with Super League leaders St Helens in 2017 after an ill-fated French rugby stint with Toulon.
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