Baby Blues
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DES Hasler's desperation to secure a fullback who can deliver him another premiership is all that stands between Ben Barba and Brisbane.
Bulldogs powerbrokers are virtually resigned to losing the reigning Dally M medallist, who last month requested a release to move to Brisbane with his young family at the end of this year.
But while Canterbury CEO Raelene Castle on Friday night acknowledged the “genuine reasons” behind Barba’s request, the club will not sign-off on any release until Hasler agrees.
“(Des) will have a very big say,” Castle said. “He’s a major stakeholder in this discussion.”
A release could prove troublesome unless Hasler secures another fullback to fill Barba’s brilliant boots, a difficult task that’s consumed him for the past month at least.
The two-time premiership winning coach has identified fullback as a key position in his tilt for a maiden title at Belmore, and wants a champion quality player to compliment his halves.
Hasler made contact with representatives of Josh Dugan last last month in a bid to preserve his team’s match-winning flair, only to be told the Dragons superstar would be staying with his current club.
It can also be revealed that Canterbury recently double-checked Israel Folau’s availability, but were again informed the dual International was committed to signing a new deal with the ARU.
Either way, Barba is now personally committed to living in Brisbane next year after confirming the game’s worst-kept secret on Fox Sports show Sterlo on Thursday night.
The Bulldogs did not authorise the interview, which was run as part of Barba’s personal sponsorship with the network.
His statements about wanting to move to Brisbane sparked furore among Bulldogs fans, forcing Barba to clarify his position in a statement last night.
“I’m really close to my daughters and working hard on my relationship,” Barba said.
“Their move to Brisbane would create a difficult situation for me to be playing football in Sydney, which I hope people can understand,” Barba said.
Another silver lining to his Broncos deal will be a much-improved salary, with Barba understood to be earning less than $400,000-a-season at Canterbury.
Brisbane are planning to play Barba at fullback in 2014, with Raiders sensation Anthony Milford earmarked for the No. 6 jersey.
Milford has requested a release from Canberra. His deal includes a get-out clause to allow the youngster to return home in the event that his father was ill.
Milford is now attempting to activate the clause, but Canberra officials are digging their heels in, but have been threatened with legal action should the release not be granted.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/...risbane-broncos/story-fn2mcuj6-1226698684248#
Bulldogs powerbrokers are virtually resigned to losing the reigning Dally M medallist, who last month requested a release to move to Brisbane with his young family at the end of this year.
But while Canterbury CEO Raelene Castle on Friday night acknowledged the “genuine reasons” behind Barba’s request, the club will not sign-off on any release until Hasler agrees.
“(Des) will have a very big say,” Castle said. “He’s a major stakeholder in this discussion.”
A release could prove troublesome unless Hasler secures another fullback to fill Barba’s brilliant boots, a difficult task that’s consumed him for the past month at least.
The two-time premiership winning coach has identified fullback as a key position in his tilt for a maiden title at Belmore, and wants a champion quality player to compliment his halves.
Hasler made contact with representatives of Josh Dugan last last month in a bid to preserve his team’s match-winning flair, only to be told the Dragons superstar would be staying with his current club.
It can also be revealed that Canterbury recently double-checked Israel Folau’s availability, but were again informed the dual International was committed to signing a new deal with the ARU.
Either way, Barba is now personally committed to living in Brisbane next year after confirming the game’s worst-kept secret on Fox Sports show Sterlo on Thursday night.
The Bulldogs did not authorise the interview, which was run as part of Barba’s personal sponsorship with the network.
His statements about wanting to move to Brisbane sparked furore among Bulldogs fans, forcing Barba to clarify his position in a statement last night.
“I’m really close to my daughters and working hard on my relationship,” Barba said.
“Their move to Brisbane would create a difficult situation for me to be playing football in Sydney, which I hope people can understand,” Barba said.
Another silver lining to his Broncos deal will be a much-improved salary, with Barba understood to be earning less than $400,000-a-season at Canterbury.
Brisbane are planning to play Barba at fullback in 2014, with Raiders sensation Anthony Milford earmarked for the No. 6 jersey.
Milford has requested a release from Canberra. His deal includes a get-out clause to allow the youngster to return home in the event that his father was ill.
Milford is now attempting to activate the clause, but Canberra officials are digging their heels in, but have been threatened with legal action should the release not be granted.
http://www.foxsports.com.au/league/...risbane-broncos/story-fn2mcuj6-1226698684248#
