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BEN Barba is to return to the NRL next season with North Queensland Cowboys on a transfer fee, according to Australian media.

The Courier-Mail has reported that Barba will join the Townsville club from Saints next season and is on the verge of signing a deal.

It is understood Barba’s management have been in discussions with the Cowboys hierarchy over the past fortnight and the deal could be announced in the next week.

Reports add that Saints are aware of North Queensland’s interest and will broker a release pending a transfer fee from the Cowboys, who will see Jonathan Thurston retire at the end of the year.

It is understood Barba has agreed a one-year deal with the Queensland club.

Barba left the NRL under a cloud after a cocaine scandal following his side Cronulla Sharks' Grand Final triumph in 2016.

He joined French rugby union for a brief stint before joining Saints in 2017.

The fullback has set Super League alight becoing the early frontrunner for the man of Steel award and has scored 30 tries in 29 matches in his career at Saints.