BY STAFF WRITERS

The Ben Barba saga has finally come to an end with the troubled fullback signing a long-term deal with Toulon rugby union ending his time in the National Rugby League. It was a tumultuous career with extraordinary highs and more than a few embarrassing lows.

So here it is. Ben Barb’s career timeline – in all its glory:

2008 – Makes his NRL debut for the Bulldogs in Round 20 against the Dragons.

 
2008 – Scores his first try in a losing effort against the North Queensland Cowboys.

 
2009 – After only three rounds of the new season, Barba gets in a carpark brawl with teammate Jamal Idris. Alcohol is involved.

 
2010-2011 – Fails to hold down a regular starting spot due to fitness and defensive concerns.

 
2012 – Wins the Dally M Medal and helps steer the Bulldogs to the grand final where they went down to the Storm.

 
2013 – Barba and teammate Tim Browne get in a scuffle at training.

 
2013 – Bulldogs CEO Todd Greenberg stands Barba down due to personal issues concerning alcohol and gambling.

2013 – Barba joins the ‘Epic Bender Crew’ and gets ‘EBC’ tattooed on his stomach. The EBC is a group of blokes that get messed up 24/7.

 
2013 – Barba seeks a release from his Bulldogs contract to sign with the Broncos.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ifGQXI3PRs

 
2013 – Integrity Unit investigates domestic violence allegations as reports surface of facial injuries to Barba’s ex-girlfriend.

 
2014 – Returning Broncos coach Wayne Bennett tells Barba he won’t be needed for a second season.

 
2014 – Announces he has signed with the Sharks.

"They couldn't see what I was capable of". @Cronulla_Sharks recruit Ben Barba on axing by Wayne Bennett. #TenNews pic.twitter.com/D1C0gzI97X

— Adam Hawse (@AdamHawse) November 13, 2014

 
2016 – Tests positive to cocaine after the Sharks win their maiden premiership. He is suspended for 12 weeks.

Ben Barba banned and dropped by @Cronulla_Sharks after testing positive to cocaine. @DamoNews with the latest in #9NewsAt6 pic.twitter.com/nQnHfXEgQs

— Peter Overton (@PeterOverton) November 8, 2016

 
2017 – Sharks terminate Barba’s contract.

 
2017 – NRL refuse to immediately register Barba’s new deal. Barba then takes up a long-term contract with Toulon.