WOLVES boss Tony Smith has played down reports linking the club with a move for former NRL star Ben Barba.

The 27-year-old was sacked by French rugby union side Toulon after just four games after switching codes.

He won the NRL Premiership with Cronulla in 2016, but his Sharks contract was cancelled after testing positive for cocaine.

Barba was reported to be at the Magic Weekend today and reports have linked Wolves and St Helens with moves for the half-back.

"I heard Ben Barba was here today. I hope he enjoyed himself," Smith said.

"We seem to be linked with everybody at the moment.

"I'm sure he enjoyed the atmosphere. It was probably the best atmosphere I've seen up in Newcastle.

"I thought it would be a bit down but all the fans really showed up today."