The Sharks’ decision to re-sign embattled fullback Ben Barba could do more harm than good for their squad in 2017.
It’s hard to imagine that bringing back a player who was pivotal in delivering the club their maiden premiership would be a bad decision, but consider the circumstances and timing of Barba’s return.
Valentine Holmes is set to start the season in the No.1 jersey, which he has made public is his preference.
Given Holmes is entering the final year of his contract, you can be certain he’ll be out to prove that not only is he an accomplished fullback, but that he is the best man for the job.
Every man and his dog knows about Holmes’ NFL trials and his interest in pursuing greener pastures elsewhere, which is why Cronulla’s decision to bring back Barba is all the more puzzling.
Sending a cryptic message to a soon-to-be free agent doesn’t seem the appropriate path to be taking. The club is essentially telling Holmes, “We’ll play you in your preferred position, but only until we get Benny back, and then we’ll shift you around to best suit our needs.”
While the club should always come first, their priority should surely be to retain the services of one of the best young backs in the competition.
If he has a blistering start to the season at fullback and is then forced to shift back to the wing in order to compensate for Barba’s return, you can be certain Holmes will look to take his talents elsewhere – be it within the NRL or abroad.
The fact the Sharks were even willing to welcome Barba back after bringing the game into disrepute is strange in itself, but to do so at the risk of losing one of your best young players is mind-boggling.
It’s not as though they are short of talent across the backline – in fact, losing Barba and spending that money on James Segeyaro instead would make much more sense in the long run.
And while there’s every chance they will lure Segeyaro back from the Super League, it’ll force them to dig deeper into their pockets than necessary.
There’s also the fact that Cronulla are sending the message to the rest of your players, and any potential free agents in the future, that breaking the law will be forgiven so long as you’re willing to serve your suspension.
While the NRL is yet to rubber-stamp his return, Barba’s imminent arrival in the Shire should be met with more caution than optimism.
For the sake of Sharks fans, let’s hope it doesn’t result in losing one of the game’s great up-and-comers at the expense of a man who has already had one too many chances.
Chook
Guest
I don't believe they intended to do anything but bring him back as soon as possible
3_Hats SSTID 2014
Roar Rookie
Well there you go Oingo Boingo mate, now I know why you rubbish me at every opportunity. You are a Jealous RORTER fan, lol
The spectator
Guest
Holmes to Melbourne 2018, mmm not a bad bet me thinks.
souvalis
Guest
Oh Flannos made questionable decisions before,no doubt...but he lets his gut feeling run its course..Bird offers aspects of fullback play that Holmes doesn't have,he's a creator where Holmes is arguably the best finisher in the game right now..this is always about what's best for the team never about the individual.. It would never get down to it,but given the option of having to keep one Bird or Val..Bird for sure..
zim
Guest
Bird has no idea about positioning. He's a 5/8 with a bad kicking game trying to be a fullback. He may be good at it one day but it would take 2-3 years of learning what he is meant to be doing. Flanno could do everything exactly as he wants it and still lose Holmes to a better offer. Just because he's won a premiership doesn't mean every decision made is going to be gold and work out. There are numerous current coaches that have won premierships that make questionable decisions. Hasler keeping two 5/8s for instance. That worked out well yeah? Those peptides certainly weren't a good mooove.
souvalis
Guest
Yep,the premiership winning coach doesn't know what he's doing..Jack Bird is clueless at fullback...yeah,right...
zim
Guest
Can definitely see Holmes going somewhere else. This will be Slater's last year so Melbourne will be on the lookout for a fullback after Munster's move to 5/8, and there is that Australian and QLD connection between Holmes / Smith / Cronk. Holmes having to compete with Jack Bird for a starting fullback spot (they have both trained there and played there) is laughable considering how out of his depth Bird has looked when he's been there. To have to hand back your spot halfway through the season to a player that was sacked for drug use would also be a kick in the teeth. The club is really sending a great message to its players. Sharks just keep giving Holmes signs that he's not the fullback they're after.
jeff milton
Guest
hey Maranta was in the all stars last year! wayne picked him there
Renegade
Roar Guru
Not going anywhere
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
They got Maranta over Holmes! Great pick up!
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
At the moment it is the Roosters for every 'reformed' player. Broncos for every other player Dragons for any halves, ball players and Bulldogs for any Tigers players
Celtic334
Guest
Personally can't see him moving anywhere, but what ever happened to the interest the QLD Reds were showing mid last year? Come seasons end the rugby world cup will be 2 years out, so i think this could be a potential carrot to a deal. But... as usual will probably end up at the Roosters or Broncos. Would love him at the Raiders tho.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Cmon , gimme a break , it's the Roosters isn't it ?
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Are the Bulldogs the new Broncos TB? Link every off contract player to them?
Alex Green
Roar Guru
As per below, it's a one year deal. So until they sign Barba for 2018, it shouldn't really have an impact.
Alex Green
Roar Guru
Barba's deal is only one year. I think they will be telling Val the fullback position is his in 2018, but pending Barba's fitness he may have to slot back onto the wing for the second half of the season for the good of the team. That still gives him half a season to bump up his asking price for next year, and if the Sharks don't want to pay it then others certainly will. Personally, for the chance of going back to back I hope this is how it plays out and Holmes is happy to suck it up for one more year. Barba offers proven ball playing from the back (18 try assists in 2016, Moylan the only fullback with more), a skill which Holmes may have but we haven't seen yet.
Greg
Guest
I'd say it's an insurance policy which is why they only signed Barba for half a season. Gorman and Flanno aren't stupid, if Holmes is killing it at fullback and the Sharks are in the top 4 there's no way they'll mess with the team. Holmes however is untested at fullback. He's a great runner of the ball, one of the best in the league, however his passing game needs work and so does his defence. If Holmes is playing great then Barba either comes off the bench or isn't in the team, if Holmes and the Sharks aren't going great then Barba comes back into the team.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I was wondering this as well. Bulldogs have a no 1 jersey for him. He might need to get in before Tedesco though.
Josh Chahal
Roar Rookie
I'm not doubting he still brings value - especially for the price - but at what expense are you bringing him back? If it potentially costs you the chance to tie down Holmes to a long term deal than all of a sudden it seems to be a heavy price to pay
jeff milton
Guest
barba in the form he was in last year is the games best value player at 330k