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http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/be...-anthony-milford/story-fndv2w3r-1227072543846
BEN Barba’s Broncos career is at the crossroads with incoming coach Wayne Bennett to axe him as five-eighth in favour of star recruit Anthony Milford.
The Sunday Mail can reveal Barba has officially lost his grip on the No.6 jumper as Bennett looks to forge a title-winning union between Milford and halfback Ben Hunt.
Barba charged to the Dally M Medal in 2012 with his magical bursts at fullback, but Bennett views Darius Boyd as his preferred No.1 if he brokers a deal in the coming weeks.
That leaves Barba walking a tightrope at the Broncos. It is understood the Maroons hopeful has been quietly shopped around by the Broncos, but NRL rivals have baulked at picking up the final two years of Barba’s Brisbane deal.
Ben Barba has officially lost his spot as Broncos’ No.6 after a disappointing season. Source: News Corp Australia
Should he remain at the Broncos next season, Barba faces the prospect of a utility role off the bench or, worse, languishing in the Intrust Super Cup.
The impending relegation of Barba is another crushing blow for the 25-year-old, who endured a roller-coaster first season at the Broncos after his move from the Bulldogs.
Milford has largely played fullback in the past two seasons at Canberra, but Bennett made it clear he will wear the No.6 Broncos jumper next season, leaving Barba in limbo.
“I’ve seen what Anthony can do at fullback but that won’t be where he plays right now,” Bennett said.
“The club doesn’t have a five-eighth so we need one of those more than we need a fullback.”
BENNETT: ’BRONCOS MORE THAN A FOOTBALL CLUB’
[h=3]Wayne Bennett's return to Brisbane brings rare excitement[/h]
Asked where the Milford-Hunt scrumbase alliance leaves Barba, Bennett said: “That’s all to be determined. Right now I have no firm view until I get to training and see what they do well and don’t do well.
“But the halfback and five-eighth … I am very clear on that.”
If Bennett signs Boyd, as expected, the Broncos will almost certainly have to offload one backline star to accommodate the Maroons ace.
Josh Hoffman has been linked with Canberra and the Warriors and his possible departure could give Barba the opportunity to fight his way into the starting side.
KNIGHTS STEP ASIDE AS BOYD NEARS RETURN
Anthony Milford has already ousted barba before even playing for the Broncos. Source: News Corp Australia
After starting this season at fullback, Barba showed more promise in his nine games at five-eighth and Bennett insists he is not turning his back on the Mackay product.
“Ben is an exciting talent, but he just hasn’t had his best year,” he said.
“I hope we get to work with him and I can get some confidence in him.
“People look for these deep answers but Ben only needs regular footy, some confidence and he can blast off again.’’
Barba said a fortnight ago he was enjoying his move to five-eighth and was determined to develop his game under Bennett.
“There’s been a lot said about my future here, will Wayne want me and that sort of thing, but I have another two years here and I want to finish my career here,” he said.
BEN Barba’s Broncos career is at the crossroads with incoming coach Wayne Bennett to axe him as five-eighth in favour of star recruit Anthony Milford.
The Sunday Mail can reveal Barba has officially lost his grip on the No.6 jumper as Bennett looks to forge a title-winning union between Milford and halfback Ben Hunt.
Barba charged to the Dally M Medal in 2012 with his magical bursts at fullback, but Bennett views Darius Boyd as his preferred No.1 if he brokers a deal in the coming weeks.
That leaves Barba walking a tightrope at the Broncos. It is understood the Maroons hopeful has been quietly shopped around by the Broncos, but NRL rivals have baulked at picking up the final two years of Barba’s Brisbane deal.
Ben Barba has officially lost his spot as Broncos’ No.6 after a disappointing season. Source: News Corp Australia
Should he remain at the Broncos next season, Barba faces the prospect of a utility role off the bench or, worse, languishing in the Intrust Super Cup.
The impending relegation of Barba is another crushing blow for the 25-year-old, who endured a roller-coaster first season at the Broncos after his move from the Bulldogs.
Milford has largely played fullback in the past two seasons at Canberra, but Bennett made it clear he will wear the No.6 Broncos jumper next season, leaving Barba in limbo.
“I’ve seen what Anthony can do at fullback but that won’t be where he plays right now,” Bennett said.
“The club doesn’t have a five-eighth so we need one of those more than we need a fullback.”
BENNETT: ’BRONCOS MORE THAN A FOOTBALL CLUB’
[h=3]Wayne Bennett's return to Brisbane brings rare excitement[/h]
<svg width="150" height="150" viewBox="0 0 150 150" class="countdown"><circle cx="0" cy="0" r="75" transform="translate(75, 75) scale(0.97)" stroke="#FFFFFF" stroke-width="2" fill="rgba(0,0,0,0.6)" style="display: block;"></circle></svg>
Asked where the Milford-Hunt scrumbase alliance leaves Barba, Bennett said: “That’s all to be determined. Right now I have no firm view until I get to training and see what they do well and don’t do well.
“But the halfback and five-eighth … I am very clear on that.”
If Bennett signs Boyd, as expected, the Broncos will almost certainly have to offload one backline star to accommodate the Maroons ace.
Josh Hoffman has been linked with Canberra and the Warriors and his possible departure could give Barba the opportunity to fight his way into the starting side.
KNIGHTS STEP ASIDE AS BOYD NEARS RETURN
Anthony Milford has already ousted barba before even playing for the Broncos. Source: News Corp Australia
After starting this season at fullback, Barba showed more promise in his nine games at five-eighth and Bennett insists he is not turning his back on the Mackay product.
“Ben is an exciting talent, but he just hasn’t had his best year,” he said.
“I hope we get to work with him and I can get some confidence in him.
“People look for these deep answers but Ben only needs regular footy, some confidence and he can blast off again.’’
Barba said a fortnight ago he was enjoying his move to five-eighth and was determined to develop his game under Bennett.
“There’s been a lot said about my future here, will Wayne want me and that sort of thing, but I have another two years here and I want to finish my career here,” he said.
