McLean backs Barba to spark Cowboys in 2019

BEN Barba may still be hurting, but the former Dally M medallist has been backed by new North Queensland teammate Jordan McLean to spark the Cowboys on his NRL return in 2019.

The former Cronulla star is regrouping before returning to Australia, after going agonisingly close to giving St Helens fans the grand final farewell he had promised before leaving the UK Super League club.

Barba is still coming to terms with getting his head around the League Leaders’ Shield winners’ shock 18-13 semi-final loss to Warrington which abruptly ended his twoseason stint with the Saints.

But Cowboys prop McLean says the signs are good that Barba will have the Midas touch for the Cowboys in 2019.

The fullback has signed a one-year deal, returning to the NRL for the first time since he copped a 2016 ban for testing positive to cocaine.

“He can bring a bit of X-factor to the team.” said McLean, who is preparing for the Kangaroos’ end of year Tests against New Zealand and Tonga. “I am sure him and Michael Morgan will link up well along with Jake Clifford.”

Barba was a hit in the Super League, scoring a staggering 34 tries in as many games for the Saints.

The former Canterbury matchwinner has been nominated for the UK’s Dally M Medal equivalent the Man of Steel Award to be named early this week.

“It has been nothing but wonderful,” Barba told St Helens Star newspaper. “I have so much love for the people in these stands, who have chanted my name for 30-odd weeks and had my back.

“That is why it is tough that I could not repay the fans who have waited so long for a premiership with a grand final – it is really hurting.”

McLean will hope to hit the ground running next year after overcoming a foot injury that sidelined him for four months this season. The former Melbourne prop was limited to just 10 NRL games in 2018.