Re: SQUAD FOR 2021? : Fri Jan 08, 2021 4:50 pm  

supercat wrote:

Is Barba still banned by NRL?

No, is available to play SL or NRL.

Re: SQUAD FOR 2021? : Fri Jan 08, 2021 5:13 pm  

Septimius Severus wrote:

No, is available to play SL or NRL.

Leaguefreek on Twitter just said not banned but NRL would block any attempt to register him. RFL and Elstone said stance would be same so something
must have changed.

Re: SQUAD FOR 2021? : Sat Jan 09, 2021 12:48 pm  

I believe there still another 4 players to come in I reckon if barba comes will be announced when derek off his holidays he will want to be on the social distant photo with him

Re: SQUAD FOR 2021? : Sat Jan 09, 2021 1:46 pm  

Montyburns wrote:

I believe there still another 4 players to come in I reckon if barba comes will be announced when derek off his holidays he will want to be on the social distant photo with him

What do you think the chances are of Barba coming, Monty? We've obviously been linked with him quite heavily in the press but it was 'dismissed' by Matthew Shaw on twitter the other day..

Re: SQUAD FOR 2021? : Sat Jan 09, 2021 2:06 pm  

leyther wrote:

What do you think the chances are of Barba coming, Monty? We've obviously been linked with him quite heavily in the press but it was 'dismissed' by Matthew Shaw on twitter the other day..

Like I have said before he agreed personal terms for the middle 8s but the nrl put a block on it. I think he could sign to be honest as our marquee player I know he as had some issues in the past as most of rugby league players not everyone a saint I honestly think he would do a great job for us if does sign and could prob help us stop up

Re: SQUAD FOR 2021? : Sat Jan 09, 2021 2:08 pm  

Montyburns wrote:

Like I have said before he agreed personal terms for the middle 8s but the nrl put a block on it. I think he could sign to be honest as our marquee player I know he as had some issues in the past as most of rugby league players not everyone a saint I honestly think he would do a great job for us if does sign and could prob help us stop up

I agree he would be a great signing and worth the risk, IMO. Fingers crossed we can get it done!

Re: SQUAD FOR 2021? : Sat Jan 09, 2021 4:39 pm  

Montyburns wrote:

Like I have said before he agreed personal terms for the middle 8s but the nrl put a block on it. I think he could sign to be honest as our marquee player I know he as had some issues in the past as most of rugby league players not everyone a saint I honestly think he would do a great job for us if does sign and could prob help us stop up

Why on earth would you pay marquee money £200k? to someone who has not played for yonks and was banned for life for multiple serious failures unlike the vast majority of our squad.Just not something we should even think about.
We could probably prise out a current Eng international from somewhere for less money and far less risk.
Under the new Brexit rules he would not get a visa hasn't Sam had the same problem at WBA stopping second raters coming over to take our jobs.

Re: SQUAD FOR 2021? : Sat Jan 09, 2021 4:49 pm  

satanicmills wrote:

Why on earth would you pay marquee money £200k? to someone who has not played for yonks and was banned for life for multiple serious failures unlike the vast majority of our squad.Just not something we should even think about.
We could probably prise out a current Eng international from somewhere for less money and far less risk.
Under the new Brexit rules he would not get a visa hasn't Sam had the same problem at WBA stopping second raters coming over to take our jobs.

No where near a Marquee now. Lot to prove to take that status and wedge.

Re: SQUAD FOR 2021? : Sat Jan 09, 2021 7:30 pm  

I don’t think he will be able to demand marquee money a few super league clubs are looking at him think we be the front runners

Re: SQUAD FOR 2021? : Sun Jan 10, 2021 12:46 am  

There are very few players of the quality of Ben Barba in Rugby League, only one other person has won the Dally M Medal and Man of Steel. He may be rusty, but he was in the same position when he joined St Helens and he took SL by storm. Off the field he has had problems and this is the reason why we are even talking about him coming to Leigh.

Safe to say he is not of marquee status at present, due to filling in doing Truck Driving and Metalworker for $20 an hour during his ban.
Leigh need Ben Barba and Ben Barba needs Leigh, the number of options is very limited and I think it is the obvious solution for both player and club.

Do I like the baggage that he brings with him, no way. I am embarrassed to discuss the issue with my wife and daughter, but the idea of seeing him at the LSV playing for Leigh is of palpable excitement. Every SL team has a recognised Fullback except for Leigh and most teams have filled their overseas quota and are finalising the last few available slots on the Salary cap. It all makes sense that he is coming to Leigh.