Barba has opened up about his rollercoaster career and his dalliance with cocaine while at Cronulla that saw him banned and leave the competition.

After 18 months with St Helens in England, the fullback has signed with North Queensland Cowboys.

Barba is adamant he doesn't have a problem with drugs and that his time in the UK has helped him mature.

"In England, I was never in trouble," he told The Sunday Mail. "I got drug tested a few times over there and was clean every time.

"I have to thank St Helens for that, they backed me all the way and that enabled me to enjoy myself and get my passion back for rugby league.

“I feel I proved at Saints I can behave and go about my business and focus all my energy on football. A few times I haven’t made the right decisions and I’ve had to be a lot more mentally tougher now with the friends I choose and who I hang out with.

“Being in the Super League, it’s been a blessing because it got me away from any bad influences and allowed me to relax and go about my business without worrying about everyone else.

“It’s easy for someone to say you’ve learnt from it, but the truth is I got in trouble twice for the same offence. I had to grow up.

"I’ve had to be honest with myself about the choices I make both inside and outside of football.”