Ben Barba has reportedly signed with North Queensland Cowboys and is set to make an NRL return next year.

The former Dally M Medallist has secured an early release from English club St Helens and signed a one-year deal to help the Cowboys tackle life after Johnathan Thurston, according to News Corp Australia.

Barba, 29, was sacked by Cronulla and copped a three month NRL ban for testing positive to cocaine following the Sharks’ 2016 maiden premiership.