Ipswich Jets flyer Marmin Barba quits rugby league

TWELVE months after suffering a horrific leg injury, Ipswich Jets flyer Marmin Barba has opted to quit rugby league.

Barba has been a star with the Jets.

THE Barba family has suffered another setback with Ben Barba’s brother Marmin quitting rugby league after struggling to come back from a horrific leg injury.

Former Dally M Medallist Ben Barba quit the rugby league a fortnight ago to take up a $2.5 million deal with French rugby side Toulon.

Now the Ipswich Jets are coming to terms with the loss of Marmin, who suffered an injury rated by doctors almost as severe as the broken ankle that ended Jharal Yow Yeh’s Broncos career.

Marmin, who scored 31 tries to help the Jets to the 2015 Intrust Super Cup premiership, shattered his left ankle in the opening weeks of their title defence last season.

Barba scored 31 tries in the Jets triumphant 2015 season.

At the time, the former Bronco was so confident of a comeback he was taking selfies on his mobile phone as he left North Ipswich Reserve in an ambulance.

In recent weeks, the ankle injury has hampered his progress at training and suddenly, he stopped turning up.

Barba advised Ipswich co-coaches Ben and Shane Walker a fortnight ago he was returning to home town Mackay for a 12-month break to work in the mines.

“It can be a cruel game,” Shane Walker said. “Marmin came back for pre-season, but his ankle just hasn’t responded.

WIN IT ALL: Why Foran makes the Warriors contenders

FUTURE: Fox League will change the game

“He had an opportunity back at Mackay with a really good job and he will be closer to his family support network.’’

One of the quickest players at any level, Barba scored a staggering 37 tries in the past two seasons for the Jets and was the poster boy for their attacking style.

Walker insisted Barba was NRL quality and the door remained open for the speedy winger to return.

“Marmin is saying it’s only a year, but a year can turn into longer,” he said.

“He is such a talent. He’s got speed and instinct I haven’t seen in many players. He could do all the same things Ben Barba can do but Benny took his opportunity when it was there.

“Marmin should have played a lot of NRL, he just needed a coach to take a gamble on him.’’

Originally published as Ipswich Jets flyer Marmin Barba quits rugby league