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Ben Barba has left the door ajar on a possible NRL comeback in the future but claimed the lack of a "clear pathway" on a 2017 return ultimately resulted in his defection to rugby union.

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On Thursday morning, Ben Barba informed Cronulla officials he will follow through on his plans to join Toulon, inking a $2.5 million deal to join the French rugby side for the next two and a bit seasons.

​Cronulla boss Lyall Gorman admits the club is resigned to losing wantaway star Ben Barba to rugby union, less than two weeks after re-signing him on a one-year extension.

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.

Ben Barba has made a shock switch to rugby after French club Toulon announced it had signed the troubled star for the remainder of its season.

Cronulla stalwart and Clive Churchill Medal winner Luke Lewis says Ben Barba is "in a good place" after returning to the club following his failed drugs test.

Cronulla has urged the NRL allow banned fullback Ben Barba to train with the club, saying it's in the best interests for his rehabilitation.

The Sharks have thrown their fullback a lifeline after he tested positive to cocaine — but now face a battle to re-sign the star winger

Cronulla will announce they have re-signed fullback Ben Barba on Wednesday afternoon, however it's understood he may not be able to begin training with the defending NRL premiers for up to four months.

Controversial Eels winger Semi Radradra will quit the NRL at the end of the season after signing a lucrative deal with French rugby club Toulon.

Heartened by impressive training, Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan isn't shying away from discussing the rare feat of back-to-back NRL titles.

Ryan Carr-Ketu has kicked the hornet's nest ahead of his boxing bout with Paul Gallen, invoking the Cronulla peptide scandal.

Grand Final hero Andrew Fifita has today been fined $20,000 by the NRL for his continued on-field support of convicted killer Kieran Loveridge. 

One of the Cronulla Sharks' longest-serving players in the modern era has added to the legal drama surrounding the club after joining ex-teammates in suing the premiers over the supplements scandal.

Cronulla grand final hero Andrew Fifita is poised to escape with a fine rather than further suspension after the NRL issued a breach notice over his support for one-punch killer Kieran Loveridge.reach notice by the NRL over his support for convicted killer Kieran Loveridge.

Junior Paulo wants another crack at Paul Gallen.

Moments after Junior Paulo took off his shirt, revealing a rippling frame almost 20kg heavier than his own, Paul Gallen spoke with a bravado befitting his second occupation.

A trimmed-down Junior Paulo hopes landing a blow on Paul Gallen's chin will give Green Machine supporters some revenge.

The only sure thing about Ben Barba's future, according to Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan, is that no one can be sure what it holds.