Ben Barba is set fight his lifetime NRL ban, as reported by the The Australian.
The 26-year old was sacked by North Queensland and exiled from the league after being charged with two counts of public nuisance on Australia Day. He is set to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on March 22.
The troubled star escaped domestic violence charges as his partner did file a complaint.
Barba's lawyer Campbell MacCallum revealed his client's intentions to return to the game on Tuesday.
“He’s expressed his desire to play football this year. He wants to explore his options in relation to challenging the NRL ban and hopefully play rugby league in some capacity,” MacCallum told The Australian.
“I don’t think he’d play NRL but certainly local football. That’s going to help his focus.
“He’s feeling the pressure of the media on him — he’s also feeling the pressure of not being able to play the game he loves. It’s certainly pretty distressing for himself and a trying time for his family.”
North Queensland welfare have remained in contact with Barba throughout this period, however, coach Paul Green was coy when asked if the former Dally M medallist should play again.
“It’s probably not for me to comment,” Green said.