Ben Barba ready to meet the demands of North Queensland team who need success again
The Cowboys and Ben Barba have something in common. Both want to prove they can be competitive in the NRL next season. And the former Dally M medallist won’t be swayed by the pursuit of Valentine Holmes.
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Ben Barba has vowed to give everything he has to the Cowboys, as he tries to ward off the threat of former Cronulla teammate Valentine Holmes.
The former Dally M medallist arrived at the Cowboys’ Townsville base on Monday for his first training session.
He said it was a chance for him just to “ease back in” to an NRL pre-season, after playing the last two years in the English Super League
But he promised to gradually ramp up the intensity of his preparations as he fought to prove to the Cowboys why he was a worthy investment.
Barba has not played in the NRL since 2016, when he was sacked by the Sharks for failing a second illicit drugs tests.
The Cowboys have given him a lifeline for next year, but have also made no secret of their desire to sign Townsville product Holmes for 2020 and beyond.
While Barba said North Queensland’s pursuit of his former teammate did not faze him, he knew he had to make his mark.
“I know it’s going to be hard,” he said of the looming threat of Holmes.
“I’m not 22, 23 anymore. I’m 30 next year and everyone wants the younger guy coming through.
“I’m a great mate of Val’s. At the end of the year, if they chase him, they chase him. That’s no harm to me.
“I’m all for being here this year and letting my footy do the talking. There’s no pressure.
“There’s not much I can do except play my heart out for the Cowboys.”
The Cowboys confirmed their interest in Holmes two weeks ago, but his manager Chris Orr said negotiations would not begin until the Australian winger had returned from his overseas holiday with his partner.
He and Barba both prefer to play at fullback and will come into direct competition should Holmes return home.
But Barba said he first had to focus on the battle for the No.1 jersey in 2019, claiming he did not have the spot locked down and must overcome the likes of Ben Hampton and Carlin Anderson.
“I see myself as a fullback and that’s a position I’d love to play here,” Barba said.
“No one said I was going to walk straight in and grab it. There’s some wonderful guys here.
“I have to train hard and do my best. Hopefully I do the right thing and I’m first pick come next year.
“There’s a long time between here and Christmas. After Christmas is when we start thinking about playing football … I have to work my butt off.
“I’m lucky to be back in the NRL now and back in an NRL system, and I’m going to enjoy it as much as I can.”
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