The Broncos decided to move the five-eighth on as part of Wayne Bennett's restructure of the club, and the Sharks were quick to snap up Barba on a three-year deal believed to worth around $800,000 a season.
Winner of the Dally M Medal in 2012, Barba has struggled for consistency since leading the Bulldogs to the grand final in the same year with the move to the Sharks representing his third club in as many seasons.
Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan isn't phased by his recent form however, saying he was delighted with the capture of the 25-year-old and believes Barba will add some much needed attacking force to his side.
"I’m sure Sharks fans will be really excited about watching Benny play,” Flanagan said.
"He has flair, x-factor and try scoring ability, but it’s not just about the tries he scores, it’s the tries he creates and the opportunities he provides for others.
"Our attack is an area we need to improve, I’ve focused a lot of my recruitment around that and Benny fits perfectly into the team I’m trying to build."
Barba said the opportunity to take care of his young family was a big factor in his move south, and was full of confidence about what next season has in store for the embattled club.
"I realise I am a professional sportsman and must go where the work is to support and provide for my young family and although it is unfortunate I have had to leave the Brisbane Broncos after just one year, I am grateful to Shane and the Sharks Board for providing me with this opportunity to join their club,” Barba said
"I believe the Sharks have a quality squad and I look forward to playing alongside captain Paul Gallen and former Bulldogs team mate Mick Ennis down at Remondis Stadium from next season."
Despite a lean couple of seasons, Barba is still one of the most exciting players in the league having scored 80 tries in his 120 NRL games.
He will go back to Brisbane in order to make plans for his relocation to Sydney this week, and is expected to commence training with his new teammates in the next seven days.