Ben Barba's career is again in jeopardy after Cronulla released the premiership-winning fullback following a positive drugs test.
The Sharks have released Barba from his playing contract to deal with personal issues in the latest twist in the troubled star's career.
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Ben Barba dumped by Cronulla Sharks
Cronulla Sharks release fullback Ben Barba from his playing contract after reports he tested positive to cocaine after his team's grand final win. Vision: Seven News
He has also been suspended by the NRL for 12 matches after returning a second positive sample under their illicit drug testing program.
NRL Head of Integrity Nick Weeks said Barba's second positive sample was not related to performance enhancing drugs added the player's first contravention of the illicit drug policy was recorded in 2015.
Given Barba has been released from his current contract, the suspension will apply if he returns to the NRL in the future.
It's understood Barba tested positive to cocaine just days after Cronulla won its maiden premiership, prompting the former Bulldogs and Broncos custodian to seek professional help.
"The club wishes to advise that it has agreed to provide Ben Barba an immediate release from his playing contract in order for him to address some significant personal issues," the Sharks said in a statement.
"While this decision has not been easy for either party there is full agreement that it is one made in the best interests of Ben, his young family and our club.
"Consistent with our club's major focus on the welfare of its players, the club is fully supportive of this decision and will assist in any way possible to allow Ben the time needed to address his life away from the pressure environment of professional sport.
"Although Ben has had a very successful season on the field culminating in being a major part of a winning grand final team, it is his life away from the field which he now seeks assistance with.
"Both the club, Ben and his team mates hope that at some stage in the future he will be able to return to the game he loves but that is not the priority at the moment."
Barba, who will head overseas to a rehabilitation clinic, said in a statement: "I know and accept I need to take some time away from the game to deal with some personal issues. I am accountable for myself and my actions and if I don't address them now I will certainly ruin my career and more importantly my life and that of my family.
"As footballers we often find it hard to speak up about having problems, but this decision has lifted so much pressure off myself that I cannot start to explain just how much better I feel by taking this action.
"I hope to return to the game at some stage and am very grateful for the support of the Cronulla Sharks and I hope that one day I can again play beside this terrific bunch of guys. I have made some tremendous friendships both within the playing ranks and throughout the coaching and administration teams. This has made it all the more difficult to make this decision but it's something I just had to do."
The Sharks, save for retiring hooker Michael Ennis, had retained the same side that won their breakthrough title for their 2017 premiership defence. However, the latest revelation is a blow to a team attempting to win back-to-back grand finals for the first time since 1992-3.
"This is an incredibly difficult situation for Ben, his family and our club and all involved with it," Sharks CEO Lyall Gorman said.
"Ben has made a remarkable contribution to our club and community since joining it. It is however something we believe and accept is absolutely necessary in order to assist Ben to work through the challenges at hand.
"While Ben will be a major loss to our football club, the far greater priority is for him to focus on his long term future away from football and we will continue to support Ben throughout that process in any way we can.
"As this is a very challenging time for Ben and his family, Ben would appreciate if they were allowed to work through this very private matter."
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