Ben Barba may return to NRL

St Helens fullback Ben Barba may be returning to the NRL next season after an impressive 2018 campaign in the Super League.

The ex-Shark has been linked to a return to his old club, where he is a a former Dally M Medal winner and premiership player.

Barba has played well for the Saints this season, who are cruising on the top of the Super League ladder with 12 wins.

The 28-year old has made 168 NRL appearances, including stints with the Bulldogs, Broncos and Sharks.

Brent Read from the Australian is reporting that St Helen's interest in Kevin Naiqama may have "implications" on Barba.

“There’s lots of rumours around right now about Ben Barba — about whether he’s coming home,” Read told the Hull Daily Mail.

“If Kevin Naiqama goes to St Helens there could be implications there for Ben Barba. Maybe that is as a replacement for Ben Barba. There are a lot of rumours around right now that Ben Barba is coming home.

“I know his agent is either about to jump on a plane or is in England as we speak so stay tuned. I wouldn’t be surprised if there is some news there in the next few weeks.”