According to The Courier-Mail, Barba will leave English club St Helens and sign for the Cowboys for 2019.

North Queensland have been on the hunt for a fullback with Lachlan Coote departing.

The club had been after Cronulla winger Valentine Holmes, but have now turned their eyes to Barba.

The 29-year-old is contracted to St Helens for next year, but is believed the Cowboys will pay a transfer fee for him.

Barba, who has played for Canterbury, Cronulla and Brisbane, has been in electric form in England.

He has scored 29 tries in 29 appearances in the UK.

Barba is expected to sign a one-year deal with North Queensland.