NEW Saints boss Justin Holbrook says Ben Barba would be "good for Super League".

Holbrook said he has spoken with the former Cronulla full back, who has been playing rugby union since being released by Cronulla after testing positive for cocaine in November.

If Barba did return to the 13-man code he would have to serve a 12-week ban.

He was spotted in the crowd at the opening day of Magic Weekend in Newcastle and Holbrook was asked about the speculation in the post match press conference.

Holbrook said: “For the Super League I think it would be great, he’s such an exciting player.

"I had a little bit to do with him going back six or seven years when I was coaching the Bulldogs, he played a few games with us there.

“I’ve had a couple of chats to him; he’s been frustrated with the rugby union experiment that hasn’t gone as well as he would have liked, so it would be really awesome to have him come on board.

“I think for the game it would be nice to have him for a couple of years.

"He’s obviously done a few things wrong in the past but I think he’s getting to the age now where he can be a leader and not just a player worrying about himself.”

Barba was recently told by Toulon that he would be no longer required, despite having a year and a half remaining on his contract and admits he is talking to Super League clubs.