THE Sharks have tabled a formal offer for Ben Barba as the fallen Dally M star moves a step closer to leaving the Broncos.
While Barba has interest from two other NRL clubs, Cronulla is in the box seat and is expected to formally clinch his signature in the next 48 hours.
Sharks coach Shane Flanagan refused to comment, but it is understood the embattled club is keen to secure Barba until the end of 2017.
The cash-strapped Sharks can’t afford to buy out the remaining two years of Barba’s Brisbane deal and are banking on a Broncos subsidy to formalise his transfer.
If the Broncos come to the party with a severance package as expected, Barba could be training in the Sutherland Shire as early as this week.
His manager Chris Orr on Saturday confirmed the Sharks were among the clubs in the hunt for the unwanted Broncos utility, who could play five-eighth at Cronulla next season.
“The Broncos have granted us permission to talk and yes the Sharks are interested, but nothing is over the line as yet,” Orr said.
“Ben has a two-year deal with the Broncos. If he wanted to stay, he could, but we understand Wayne Bennett’s stance and we’ll see what’s out in the marketplace.
“Ben doesn’t know how he feels at the moment. It’s an emotional time.
Ben Barba released from Brisbane Broncos
Ben Barba released from Brisbane Broncos
“His preference is to stay, but he’s a professional footballer and like any industry, if your boss doesn’t want you, you have to move on and find someone who does.”
Barba’s impending return to Sydney is sure to raise eyebrows. The 25-year-old admitted he struggled with the pressures of life in the big smoke as he went off the rails at the Bulldogs following his stunning Dally M season in 2012.
But Broncos coach Bennett dismissed concerns over Barba’s mental state, believing he can consolidate next year on some moments of promise at Red Hill.
“I think he has rebuilt his career already,” Bennett said.
Ben Barba has been tabled a formal offer from the Sharks. Picture: Zak Simmonds.
Ben Barba has been tabled a formal offer from the Sharks. Picture: Zak Simmonds. Source: News Corp Australia
“The Broncos have done a lot for him, but he got some credibility back and he showed everyone last season how durable he was when he changed positions and played five-eighth.
“When you are getting paid what these NRL players are, it’s not too hard to start again. If your boss tells you don’t have a job, you have to move on. He moved from Canterbury two years ago and now he will have to move again.
“When you have elite players who are highly-paid, you don’t want them playing in the second-tier competitions. On our roster right now, that’s what will happen to Ben.”
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They talk cant buy out last 2 years, well next year we have to be plenty under cap we have basic side signed, plus no Carney.
2016 we have some big name players of contract end of 2015, Gallen, Gordon, Heignington, Tupou, even Ayshford is on decent coin, all these guys wont be staying considering there age, so where is the issue in not being able to accomodate Barba
