NEW Saints signing Ben Barba is expected to play full back when he makes his return to rugby league after a 10-month absence.

The NRL superstar, who has now concluded his 12-match suspension, did not want to give the game away as to where he is playing.

But all the indicators are that he will slot in at number one with Jonny Lomax returning to the halves.

Barba said: “Wherever Justin puts me I will do a job for the team.

“I feel more comfortable at full back and that is where I have had all my successes in the past, but I know they have Jonny Lomax here who has played for his country and done a good job for a long time.

“I am sure we will work pretty well together wherever we play.

“There is a real competition for places and that is a good headache for coaches to have.

“We are pushing each other each week to try and get better. All we can do is work hard and get back on that winning trail.”

The fixture planners must have had a mischievous grin on their faces when they devised a Super 8s fixture card that sees Barba make his debut at home to derby rivals Wigan.

And given that the teams are now level on points as they jostle to challenge Wakefield for the last top four spot, the match has even more riding on it.

Barba was made aware of the rivalry between the two sides the week he signed and has been doing his research to get up to speed - and unearthed some feisty gems online.

“I know what this rivalry is all about – I did my homework and watched some You Tube clips of clashes in the past.

“I am not sure if it is that wild now, but I am definitely looking forward to it.

“It is like it has been set up – but I am just glad it it is at our stadium and not their ground.

“As a player you want to play in the big games and against the best and there is no better game to do it than a Saints v Wigan match,” he said.

The match is vital - defeat could possibly be an eliminator for Wigan and in Saints’ case it would take their destiny out of their own hands.

“We would like to be sitting in a better position but that is rugby league,” Barba added.

“Whoever wins this game can put themselves in good stead for coming weeks.

“So we will definitely be doing our best to take it away from them.

“We know as a group that everything from here on in is business.

“I don’t think we can afford to lose another game.

“This next four games are important with Wigan and Huddersfield winning games and closing the gap, on Wakey and us really for fourth place.

“All we can do is work hard and learn from the last two weeks, and find that edge to get over the top of teams.”