The Kanaka Proud Cup is an event which celebrates and seeks to pay homage to Queensland’s history of blackbirding.
Former NRL star Ben Barba has been cleared to return to rugby league this weekend, as reported by Fox Sports.
The 30-year old will take the field in the Kanaka Proud Cup nine months after he was sacked by the North Queensland Cowboys and banned by the NRL.
It is believed that he will line up for Mackay alongside his brother Marmin.
Barba was let go by the Cowboys over allegations of a violence in a Townsville casino on Australia Day.
He was charged with public nuisance and obstructing the police, charges he pleaded guilty in May and was made to participate in community service.
The former Dally M Medallist has since been playing football for Mackay Premier League side Mackay Rangers and working in a metal company.
When contacted by foxsports.com.au, organiser Marion Healy said: “The Kanaka Proud Cup is not an NRL sanctioned event, therefore Ben is free to play.
“Ben is representing his grandmother’s family, it is an event based on our community and our shared history of being blackbirded South Sea islanders in the area.”