Barba makes a return for Bulldogs

Ben Barba is one of the NRL's biggest stars. Copyright: NRL Photos

Canterbury superstar Ben Barba will make his return in the Good Friday clash with South Sydney, ending a month-long NRL exile to the delight of teammates who are confident he's mentally ready to make a comeback.

The 2012 Dally M Medal winner was on Tuesday named to line up at fullback for his first match of the season.

Barba was indefinitely suspended over gambling and alcohol issues on February 25, but Bulldogs five-eighth Josh Reynolds says the 23-year-old is in a good place.

"I think he is ready," Reynolds said on Tuesday.

"Talking to him, he is in a good state but it is up to (coach Des Hasler) and it is up to (Barba).

"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."

Bulldogs skipper Michael Ennis said the key to Barba's return was not just about his fitness but also his personal welfare.

"Ben is in great shape," Ennis said before the team announcement.

"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 was named on a six-man bench in what would be his first match of the season after recovering from a leg injury.

AAP