![Ben Barba is expected to negotiate an early release from St Helens to join the North Queensland Cowboys in 2019 [Photo: Getty Images]](https://www.fijivillage.com/news_images/11297696565b8842cf76a1b0f60253.jpg)
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.
According to News Corp Australia, 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.
But North Queensland reportedly needs 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 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.
The Raiders will meet the Warriors in the final round of the NRL at 8 tonight
The top eight teams in the competition will progress to the playoffs.
At the moment, the top eight teams in the competition by order are Melbourne Storm, Rabbitohs, Roosters, Sharks, Panthers, Dragons, Broncos and Warriors.
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