Barba has returned to Sydney this week after a completing a stint in a Thai rehabilitation clinic to deal with personal issues. The 27-year-old was released from the Sharks just weeks after helping steer the club to a maiden premiership after recording a positive test to cocaine. Given it is his second strike for recreational drugs, Barba is facing a 12-match suspension should he return to the NRL.

A comeback to the Sharks remains a strong possibility, although there is appeal in resuming his footballing career overseas. The NRL has no jurisdiction over the English Super League or any rugby competition, meaning Barba is free to immediately return to football should he pursue those options. Leaving Australia would also ensure he escapes the spotlight that will follow his every move in rugby league.

It's understood Japanese rugby clubs have expressed interest in signing Barba in a move that would be the biggest league signing since NTT Shining Arcs poached Craig Wing in 2010. Wing enjoyed seven seasons in Japanese rugby, culminating in selection for the Japan Cherry Blossoms national side.

It's not the first time Barba has been sounded out about a switch to union. The former Bulldogs and Broncos custodian was approached about the prospect of playing rugby sevens as powerbrokers were looking to assemble a team for the Rio Olympics. Barba knocked back the approach to take up a deal with the Sharks, where he rediscovered some of his best form before his latest career setback.

Barba's younger brother, Marmin, has been part of the sevens rugby system before switching back to league with the Ipswich Jets.

Barba is back in Sydney after spending time at LANNA Rehab in Chiang Mai, one of several Thai rehab centres used to assist troubled rugby league stars. Brisbane's James Roberts, the 2015 Dally M centre of the year, has also spent time at LANNA, which promotes itself as a "complete mind/body/spirit solution". Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce and Roosters recruit Paul Carter have spent time at neighbouring facility, the Cabin.

Barba's departure will free-up salary cap space that will assist Cronulla's attempts to retain a slew of off-contract stars including Valentine Holmes, Paul Gallen, Wade Graham, Chad Townsend, Matt Prior, Sam Tagataese, Sosaia Feki and Gerard Beale.

Holmes is considering a code switch of his own after he and Cowboys forward Jason Taumalolo worked out in front of NFL scouts during a trip to the United States. Holmes will replace Barba in the No.1 jersey in a move that further increases his value on the open market. Holmes' stocks are on the rise after equalling club great David Peachey's mark of 19 tries in a season and then earning selection for the Kangaroos during their triumphant Four Nations campaign.

The premiers are on the lookout for a new major sponsor after Southern Radiology asked to be released from their contract due to financial issues.

The Sharks are also in the process of compiling a "team of the half-century" as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.