Canterbury star Josh Reynolds says Ben Barba is ready to make his NRL comeback but the club is remaining coy on whether the superstar fullback will return in the big Good Friday clash with unbeaten South Sydney.
Speculation is strong that the 2012 Dally M Medal winner will play his first game in Bulldogs colours this season against the Rabbitohs after being indefinitely suspended over gambling and alcohol issues on February 25.
“I think he is ready,” Reynolds said on Tuesday.
“Talking to him, he is in a good state but it is up to Des (coach Des Hasler) and it is up to him.”
“But he has come back with a real positive attitude to training and that has been good for the playing group because everyone was hoping he would be okay.
“If he does end up playing, it will be a real positive for us.”
With Hasler set to name his team on Tuesday afternoon, skipper Michael Ennis insisted the side were still in the dark about Barba’s return.
“I’m not sure if he will play,” Ennis said.
“Des has already stated in the last few weeks he will make a decision midweek and he will announce that later this week.
“Ben is in great shape. He had a wonderful pre-season which was obviously disrupted for a period of time in February.
“But he is back at training now and he is working really hard to get into shape and the key is he feels good about himself now and his head is where it needs to be.”
Last year’s grand finalists lost their opening-round clash with North Queensland, beat Parramatta in round two and lost to Melbourne in round three.
A loss to the Rabbitohs would leave them with ground to make up early in the season.
Backrower Frank Pritchard is also likely to return for the Dogs but prop Sam Kasiano is expected to remain sidelined.