Barba's magic boosts Norths

A LIMPING Aaron Barba yesterday inspired Norths to a chance to advance to their first Mackay grand final since 1994.

Norths’ Aaron Barba could afford a smile after he scored the first try, running the length of the field against Moranbah. Picture: Tony Martin

A LIMPING Aaron Barba yesterday inspired Norths to a chance to advance to their first Mackay grand final since 1994.

The Red Devils beat defending premiers Moranbah 20-16 at Virgin Australia Stadium, but it's problematical whether Barba makes this Sunday's showdown with minor premiers Souths - a game which will decide the first team into the decider. Barba took the field despite a hamstring injury, and hadn't done any more than a walk before his individual brilliance turned the game Norths' way.

He snapped an intercept on his own try line just as Moranbah looked certain to go in for the first touchdown and sprinted 50 metres, giving Norths an 8-0 advantage. But he was obviously hampered by the hamstring and came off early in the second half.

Leading 20-6 at one stage, Norths looked like scoring a big win before Moranbah fought back to 20-16 at full time.

The premiers will have to carry on their late second-half form if they are to overcome an impressive Whitsunday, which accounted for Brothers 28-12 in the knockout semi.

The man of the match, prop Craig Paku, admitted Barba often "foxed it" on the field.

"Yes, he does," he said.

"He's one of our best players, hopefully he'll come good.

"I think he'll be right for next week."

Paku is one of six Wollongong players who have joined Norths this season.

He said he was loving every minute of it.

"We're all mates who have come up here and we're loving it," he said.

"Hopefully we can get to the grand final, that's the plan."

Another boy from the Gong, second-rower Ben Cole, made up for a sin-binning with a vital try.

FULL TIME

Norths d Moranbah 20-16

Whitsunday d Brothers 28-12

Next Sunday:

Norths v Souths, Moranbah v Whitsunday

Originally published as Barba's magic boosts Norths