Back soon? ... Ben Barba has been released from a private health facility.
Bulldogs fullback Ben Barba's return to the NRL is set to occur "in coming weeks" after he returned to Belmore on Wednesday, having been discharged from a health facility.
The Bulldogs confirmed that Barba, had been released from a private health clinic, which he attended to attempt to overcome a range of off-field problems that resulted in him being suspended indefinitely by the Bulldogs.
The Bulldogs, though, look set to welcome Barba back to the training paddock imminently, suggesting a return to the playing field is around the corner
“People must be aware that this is the first stage of a much bigger program for Ben,” Bulldogs chief executive Todd Greenberg said in a statement on Wednesday.
"The independent experts and specialists have provided us with their initial report and a big part of their recommendation is for Ben to return to the structure of his day to day life and that obviously includes his commitment to football.
“Over the last few weeks Ben has demonstrated a distinct willingness to seek assistance and importantly he has worked diligently and honestly with the professionals who were charged with the responsibility to provide their care and expertise.
“It is still too early to determine when Ben may return to the playing field but he will now commit to a dedicated training regime along with a structured outpatient program."
Greenberg said he had advised the NRL of the club's plans for Barba and said officials there were "comfortable with our position and the strategies we have in place".
The Bulldogs were given a first-up example of life without their key player with a round-one loss to North Queensland on Saturday night. That said, Bulldogs coach Des Hasler maintained the club would not be "rushing him back for the sake of it".
Barba visited teammates and staff at Belmore on Wednesday, and will likely re-commence training at the weekend. The Bulldogs say, pending medical advice, Barba may return "in coming weeks". The Bulldogs play Parramatta on Thursday night.
“It was great to be back at Belmore today,” Barba said. “The time away from footy has been helpful but I have missed it. “It'll be great to be around my teammates again, I have missed their company over the past few weeks and can't wait to get back out on to the training field."
He added in a statement: "I would like to say thank you to those close to me for their support and to the many hard working professionals who have helped me over the last few weeks.
“The level of care that was given to me was incredible and I will forever be thankful to the very caring and compassionate people who assisted me during a very difficult time in my life.
“I have learnt an enormous amount in the last few weeks and I know that I have lots of hard work and sacrifice in front of me over the next few years."
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