NRL: Barba back training with Bulldogs

Ben Barba. Photo / Getty Images

Bulldogs star Ben Barba is on track to make his NRL return with coach Des Hasler confirming he's back training with the side.

Hasler said the 2012 Dally M player of the year wouldn't be back for next Thursday's grand final rematch against the Storm in Melbourne due to the short turnaround.

"He trained this morning, but we'll just wait and see,'' Hasler said.

"It's round two and it's such a long season. So we'll judge it on its merits.''

Barba didn't come out to watch his teammates beat the Eels 20-16 at ANZ Stadium on Thursday night, with Hasler saying he believed it was for the best.

"Ben has done extremely well in showing great conviction to do what he did and the great thing about it now is he has a fantastic safety net around him,'' Hasler said.

"There's no need to rush Ben back. I don't know when he'll play but he will play at some stage.''

Captain Michael Ennis said it was good to see him back with the side.

"Steps are in place for him to keep working away,'' he said.

"To me personally it was nice to see.''

- AAP