Should the Bulldogs put Ben barba into first grade???

[Rani]

from last years form i would say he isn't ready but the only way he will be able to come up to 1st grade standards is to play in first grade and get experience

Absolutely. I think that can be best achieved if he comes off the bench as an impact player and keeps working hard at his defense and ballwork.

 

[astroboy]

Yes he will be fine with Kimmorley

 

[the_yuk]

Why not Josh Morris to fullback if Patterns out? Personally id go for Roberts hes like Anasta and Barrettt devestating when he runs but hopless when he trys the fancy stuff.

 

[the_insider]

Comparing Roberts to Barrett and Anasta, you are kidding right?
Barba needs to have a season in NSW cup for mine or even another season in toyota cup. Last year he scored alot of tries but his defence wasn't even up to Toyota Cup standard, we'd need to keep a medivac on hand if he plays 1st grade regularly in 2009

 

[Özil]

i dont think he is ready yet? im sure a cameo appearance off the bench would be alright but i think the club are trying to make him into a FB rather then playing in the halves...

But lets see how he goes in the NSW Cup for bankstown

 

[wogdog]

off the bench atleast for the first few rounds (say 1 month) then see where we are at concerning barba

 

[BootS]

No, he is far from ready. As we have witnessed.

 

[bugden]

the general
el magic
morris
the mantis
utai
roberts
noddy
stagg
bobcat
te maari
hodgo
menace
hannant

sully
luva
kite
nick the greek

 

[cwnj]

Errrrrrrr, Not unless you want to wreck his career!

 

[bulldogs2010]

the general
el magic
morris
the mantis
utai
roberts
noddy
stagg
bobcat
te maari
hodgo
menace
hannant

sully
luva
kite
nick the greek

What the heck are you doing? this isn't an 09 team thread.



Should Barba be put in FG? depends. The coaching staff will be monitoring his ball playing skills and defence. If they believe he has improved enough, I say give him a spot on the bench because he'll come in great value if a wing/fullback gets injured, and if a hooker gets injured push whoever the 5-8 is up there and give Barba roaming space behind the ruck.

If he proves himself, Then we'll see.

 

[nuffnuffs]

im not really sure because ben barba didnt do his best in first grade but he still scored a brillint try lets have your say???

no stop being a niff nuff ffs he is not ready yet

 

[tyl0r]

if he is gonna be so great throw him in there... sandow could do it and he is tiny, no one had wraps on sandow, so step up barba

 

[Al.Bundy]

if he is gonna be so great throw him in there... sandow could do it and he is tiny, no one had wraps on sandow, so step up barba

Actually, everyone was saying he was more of a complete player than barba and has been long hailed the Aboriginal Alfie Langer

 

[xeno]

Barba is still rubbish until he can fix his defence

 

[KL]

ben barba FTW

 

[Guardog]

Benny Barba is a work in progress. We can all see that he has some extraordinary talents. His ability to follow the ball and back up are Terry Lamb like. He will have enjoyed his experience in First Grade in '08 and will be hungry for more.
.
He (to me) is very similar to Thurston when he arrived at the club. A little small and skinny, but Thurston is now arguably the worlds best player. Barba has that same aura about him. The danger is that rushing him into First Grade may hinder, not help his career. Kimmorley will be a very good influence and teacher of Ben.....
.
We will see him play first grade and cheer him on and tell all the other teams supporters, "We have Ben Barba".

 

[Toey .H.C.]

YES put ben barba in 1st grade asap!

 

[Dognacious]

Barba wont start FG anyway, until we get injuries, who do you chuck out to fit him in?

 

[kimlo]

Barba wont start FG anyway, until we get injuries, who do you chuck out to fit him in?

I agree unless ben roberts is not put at 6.

 

[bulldogs2010]

Barba wont start FG anyway, until we get injuries, who do you chuck out to fit him in?

I would throw out Sullivan because Ennis is an 80 minute player. If Ennis got injured during a game, you could just push whoever is 5/8 up there which allows Barba to roam around and pick his times.

Plus Barba on the bench could cover if a wing/fullback got injured. Sullivan doesn't offer that.