In the space of 24 hours, Barba has been linked to a switch to Japanese rugby and a return to the Sharks. The latter was fuelled by former teammate Jack Bird's assertion the former Dally M medallist will "be back, 100 per cent" in the Shire once he serves his 12-match ban for cocaine use.

Barba has only just returned to Sydney after a stint in a Thai rehabilitation facility, raising speculation about his next career move. But after failing to see out his contract at his last three clubs, for reasons not always related to his footballing form, those who know him best believe it's best not to make bold predictions.

"I'm sure Birdy would be hoping 100 per cent that he is back, but no one knows," Flanagan said.

"I just hope he gets his life in order rather than [concerning himself with] his footy.

"All of the players have won a grand final with him, they've had a fantastic year, so I can understand Birdy's comments supporting another player.

"But in the big picture he's got some stuff that he needs to get sorted out in his life. Footy is the last concern at the moment.

"It would be wrong to say [he'll definitely be back]."

It's believed Barba's personal issues are deeper than simply indulging in recreational drugs during Mad Monday celebrations. The father of four has been urged to focus on his welfare and family rather than a quick return to the field.

"He's got the rest of his life to live, it's not just his footy career," Flanagan said.

Fairfax Media revealed that Barba is on the radar of cashed-up Japanese rugby clubs in a move that makes a code switch tempting. A move overseas, whether it be to the English Super League or rugby, would remove Barba from the fishbowl existence that is the life of the NRL's elite. An added bonus is the NRL sanctions carry no weight in those jurisdictions, potentially allowing him to play immediately.

However, Bird was adamant Barba will rejoin the premiers in 2017.

"Yeah, 100 per cent. I know he will be," Bird said at the jersey launch for the NRL Auckland Nines at Rugby League Central on Wednesday.

"We need him back, he will be back. He will be better than he was before."

While Bird hasn't spoken to Barba since he went into rehab, he has sent him messages of support.

"Obviously I'm going to support him, he's one of my good mates," Bird said.

"I'm not going to lead him astray or leave him behind. He's doing well, that's good to hear.

"Like I said before, he'll be back 100 per cent and he'll be back ready to go.

"He means a lot [to the club]. He got us to a grand final and obviously means a lot to our team and our club, to the players and fans.

"We will miss him in the first three months of the footy season but, I'll say it again, we'll get him back."

Valentine Holmes will start the year at fullback, but Bird said that would only be a temporary move.

"That's his preferred position and Val will take it will both hands," Bird said.

"I'm thinking he will be good at fullback, but in saying that we will get Benny back in the middle of the year.

"Benny will back and he will be better than ever, I guess."

Bird is on the mend after suffering an arm injury during the grand final and will again play in the centres as the club attempts to win back-to-back titles.