The process took a while but in a good move for player and club, Ben Barba has completed his return to rugby league after signing a two-and-a-half-year deal with Super League side, St Helens.
Barba’s stint in French rugby union came to an abrupt end and Barba was forced to look elsewhere, landing at St Helens.
Barba is just pleased to have the signing done and his future sorted.
“I’m enjoying being over here finally,” said the enigmatic fullback.
“I’m looking forward to getting stuck into the first day of training here and what comes ahead.”
With St Helens regarded as a close-knit team, Barba admits that fitting in with the team and the culture was straightforward.
“They’re quite a close bunch of guys here and it was easy coming in,” Barba said.
“They all introduced themselves and it’s a very friendly place.”
In the end, Barba admits he signed with St Helens because of the people at the organisation who in his eyes, take care of and look after their players.
“It was a club that looks like they really take care of their players,” Barba continued.
“That was an easy decision for me.”
With a bit to prove upon his return to rugby league, Barba knows he has to work hard, work diligently and get the St Helens faithful in his corner.
“I’ve just got to work hard and obviously, I’ve got a bit of a suspension that’s hanging around at the moment,” said Barba.
“All I can do is work hard on the training paddock with the boys and to catch up on all the plays.”