Laurie Daley has urged fallen superstar Ben Barba to put his three-year NRL exile behind him and make the most of his career lifeline.
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Barba will make his first appearance in Australia since the 2016 grand final when he runs out on February 15 for the Indigenous All Stars in Melbourne.
The former Dally M winner will form an exciting backline with Latrell Mitchell - who has chosen to represent his culture over the Sydney Roosters' World Club Challenge tilt - Blake Ferguson, James Roberts and Josh Addo-Carr against the Maori All Stars.
The 29-year-old is on the last chance having spent the past three years abroad after his second illicit drugs strike following the Sharks' premiership win.
He was banished to Europe where he had stints in French rugby and Super League.
After being granted a release by St Helens, he has signed with North Queensland on a one-year deal and will be scrutinised as he looks to recapture some semblance of his brilliant best.
"He's played well over there in the English Super League and, by all reports, he's training the house down up there in North Queensland," Daley said.
"It's a big game for a lot of people and also Benny because he can come back and put the stuff that happened to him behind him and pull on the shirt and represent his family and his culture.
"And show that if you do make a mistake, there's always a chance to bounce back."
Mitchell was given the blessing of club bosses to turn out for the Indigenous All Stars and miss the Roosters' attempt to be crowned world champions two days later against Wigan.
"It was tough for Latrell," Daley said.
"He realises the Roosters gave him a good opportunity, won a premiership with them last year and he would have loved to have been a part of the World Club Challenge. But he realises his culture is special to him."
The All Stars concept, absent from the 2018 calendar, has been revamped with the Maori All Stars replacing the World All Stars.
And Daley said he hoped the Maori side - featuring Kalyn Ponga in his first top-level appearance in the No.6 jumper - would help to revitalise the pre-season fixture.
"The Indigenous All Stars have worked a lot in the community - they embraced the concept," Daley said.
"The World All Stars really had nothing to play for. The Maoris, with their culture, have plenty to play for. It'll be an exciting contest."
ALL STARS TEAMS:
Indigenous All Stars: 1. Ben Barba, 2. Blake Ferguson, 3. James Roberts, 4. Latrell Mitchell, 5. Josh Addo-Carr, 6. Cody Walker, 7. Tyrone Roberts, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Nathan Peats, 10. Leilani Latu, 11. David Fifita, 12. Adam Elliott, 13. Tyrone Peachey. Res: 14. Will Chambers, 15. Josh Kerr, 16. Chris Smith, 17. Alex Johnston, 18. Jesse Ramien, 19. Tyrell Fuimaono, 20. Kotoni Staggs.
Maori All Stars: 1. Peta Hiku, 2. Dane Gagai, 3. Esan Marsters, 4. Dean Whare, 5. Jordan Kahu, 6. Kalyn Ponga, 7. Jahrome Hughes, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Jordan McLean, 11. Kevin Proctor, 12. Tohu Harris, 13. Adam Blair. Res: 14. Danny Levi, 15. Brad Takairangi, 16. James Fisher-Harris, 17. James Tamou, 18. Gerard Beale, 19. Corey Harawira-Naera, 20. Joseph Tapine.
Australian Associated Press
