Barba is set to join Toulon at this weekend’s Brisbane Tens but will not take part after Australian Rugby Union refused to allow him to play due to his current NRL ban.

Barba tested positive to cocaine following Cronulla’s grand final win over Melbourne and was subsequently handed a 12-match ban.

He signed a $2.5 million 30-month deal with Toulon last week stating a need to support his family.

Mitchell stressed to Barba first impressions were important.    

"With the owner that we have, he expects results pretty quickly, and also the supporters we have, they make an opinion of you pretty quickly as well," Mitchell said.

"You've got to make sure you start well.

"I wouldn't have a clue (where he would play) but he's pretty handy at the back. It's probably a little bit different because of the kicking and tactical game side of things.

"But he's one of those guys who could probably add anything anywhere along the backline."

Mitchell said he could see Barba doing well in the 15-man game adding a fresh start could do him good.

"Hopefully (he goes) well. I'd prefer to just be talking about his footy - I don't know him at all, or whatever else has happened," he said.

"He'll be completely out of the spotlight, you're completely left to your own devices.

"You go to football and that's pretty much the last time you think of it - as soon as you go home it's nothing about football, you don't have to worry about anything or anyone trying to catch you out or doing things.

"For that, it's really good, guys that want to get away from the bubble that it is here with the media and stuff in Australia."