Ben Barba's code switch to rugby union in France while serving an NRL suspension will benefit the Cronulla fullback, Sharks forward Chris Heighington says.
Glamour club Toulon claims to have secured Barba's signature for the rest of the Top 14 season while he serves a 12-week NRL ban for a second positive test to illicit drugs.
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Barba makes shock switch to rugby
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NRL star Ben Barba has signed a deal with French rugby powerhouse Toulon until the end of the season. Vision courtesy Seven Network.
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Barba makes shock switch to rugby
NRL star Ben Barba has signed a deal with French rugby powerhouse Toulon until the end of the season. Vision courtesy Seven Network.
Heighington admitted surprise on Wednesday morning upon hearing Toulon's announcement that Barba will arrive at the club this week.
"It was a big surprise to be honest. I'm not sure of the ins and outs," Heighington told Sky Sports Radio.
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"'That's definitely interesting. I reckon it was probably good for him and good for the Sharks to get a bit of game time under his belt."
The 27-year-old was hit with the ban in November as a result of the second positive sample he returned under the NRL's illicit drug policy
The premiers re-signed Barba on a one-year deal in January, two months after his contract was terminated to allow him to deal with personal issues.
The contract is yet to be ratified by the NRL, and Barba's 12-game suspension will not begin until it has.
If the NRL refuse to accept his Cronulla contract while he's playing with Toulon, he could be rubbed out for most of the 2017 season, with the French rugby season ending mid-year.
Heighington acknowledged Barba's rugby league future was in the NRL's hands, but praised his premiership-winning teammate for his efforts at training.
"Probably just got to wait and see what the NRL say," Heighington said.
"He's been back at training the last few days and looked really good and had a smile on his face.
"That's the main thing with Benny - keep a smile on his face. He was awesome for us last year. In that finals series, he was unbelievable.
"It's good to see him getting back into training, doing what he loves. It'll be interesting to see what evolves the next couple of weeks."
Three-time champions Toulon's last regular-season clash is against Pau on May 6.
They're expected to make the finals, with the Top 14 decider on June 4.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has previously said Barba's best-case scenario was to return to the NRL after their bye in round 14 in June.
The NRL and Cronulla have been contacted for comment.
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