Kiraz Crazy
Hasler_For_PM
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- Jun 26, 2012
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Ben Barba may have incensed a number of Bulldogs supporters with a photo posted on social media but his teammates refuse to let the drama surrounding the want-away player derail their focus from their clash against South Sydney on Friday night.
Barba became the victim of vile and personal attacks from some Canterbury fans on Twitter after posting an Instagram photo supporting his desire to have the final two years of his contract torn up to allow him to return to Queensland.
Bulldogs captain Michael Ennis would not comment on Barba's intention to leave and said that the transfer saga hasn't been brought up in the dressing room following their 28-16 win over Canberra last Saturday.
"The situation with Ben, I think, copped enough press last week and for me personally we've got a really big game on Friday night," Ennis said.
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"I've got 17 guys along with Des [Hasler] to try and make sure that we perform to our best on Friday coming against a side that's been in the top four all year. We're in a vital position on the ladder, and we need to make sure we perform on Friday. So, the boys haven't really spoken about it too much at all."
Barba's future may be up in the air but Canterbury may have already found a replacement fullback in NSW Origin centre Josh Morris who is backed by his teammates to continue wearing the No.1 jersey.
Morris deputised for the injured Barba in last week's win against Canberra Raiders and will again be deployed at fullback against the Rabbitohs on Friday.
Forward Frank Pritchard was impressed by the performance of Morris in his less familiar position and believes he could fill the void at fullback, should Barba be granted his request for a release at the end of the season.
"His efforts have been awesome since Benny has been out. He's just been on the ball and I think he's found the new spot at fullback," Pritchard said. "He's just taken it with two hands and I admire him for the adversity with the change."
Utility forward Dene Halatau was equally impressed with Morris' quick transition from down the back line and says the added responsibility of his new role has led to more creativity in his style of play.
"He slotted in really comfortably, I think he relished the opportunity to try something different and to be in a spot where he has a bit of control over how he play," Halatau said.
"In the centres, he stays on his edge and plays where he's told to play. Playing at fullback, he's got quite a bit more input and he's taking it on and i think he's going great.
"He has definitely a different style of player to Benny but our structure stays the same and he's doing what he has to to really try and fit into that structure."
Barba became the victim of vile and personal attacks from some Canterbury fans on Twitter after posting an Instagram photo supporting his desire to have the final two years of his contract torn up to allow him to return to Queensland.
Bulldogs captain Michael Ennis would not comment on Barba's intention to leave and said that the transfer saga hasn't been brought up in the dressing room following their 28-16 win over Canberra last Saturday.
"The situation with Ben, I think, copped enough press last week and for me personally we've got a really big game on Friday night," Ennis said.
Advertisement
"I've got 17 guys along with Des [Hasler] to try and make sure that we perform to our best on Friday coming against a side that's been in the top four all year. We're in a vital position on the ladder, and we need to make sure we perform on Friday. So, the boys haven't really spoken about it too much at all."
Barba's future may be up in the air but Canterbury may have already found a replacement fullback in NSW Origin centre Josh Morris who is backed by his teammates to continue wearing the No.1 jersey.
Morris deputised for the injured Barba in last week's win against Canberra Raiders and will again be deployed at fullback against the Rabbitohs on Friday.
Forward Frank Pritchard was impressed by the performance of Morris in his less familiar position and believes he could fill the void at fullback, should Barba be granted his request for a release at the end of the season.
"His efforts have been awesome since Benny has been out. He's just been on the ball and I think he's found the new spot at fullback," Pritchard said. "He's just taken it with two hands and I admire him for the adversity with the change."
Utility forward Dene Halatau was equally impressed with Morris' quick transition from down the back line and says the added responsibility of his new role has led to more creativity in his style of play.
"He slotted in really comfortably, I think he relished the opportunity to try something different and to be in a spot where he has a bit of control over how he play," Halatau said.
"In the centres, he stays on his edge and plays where he's told to play. Playing at fullback, he's got quite a bit more input and he's taking it on and i think he's going great.
"He has definitely a different style of player to Benny but our structure stays the same and he's doing what he has to to really try and fit into that structure."
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