Ben holds little hope for Origin selection

BEN Barba is resigned to never playing State of Origin, conceding a Queensland jumper is the last thing on his mind as he fights to revive his NRL career with the Cowboys.

The coveted Queensland No. 1 jumper is up for grabs next season with Billy Slater’s NRL retirement opening the door for a raft of fullback contenders, headed by Kalyn Ponga and Valentine Holmes.

Not so long ago, Barba was the understudy being groomed to succeed Slater.

But now, with Slater having walked away from the No. 1 jumper, Barba admits he is at long odds to ever fill Billy the Kid’s throne.

It seems odd that a man gifted enough to win a Dally M gong cannot break into the State of Origin arena, but Barba has all but given up hope of wearing Maroon after a twoyear hiatus from the NRL.

“Obviously I would love to play Origin but the young guys coming through are getting better and faster and I have to be realistic,” he said.

“In the past, when I’ve started to worry about stuff like Origin, it has affected me mentally, so it’s no longer on my radar. I can’t wait to get the pre- season started with the Cowboys.”

While Barba has inked only a 12- month deal after his stunning renaissance in England, where he won Super League’s Man of Steel award, the former Bronco hopes to extend his stint in Townsville.

Barba turns 30 next June and believes his body can withstand another three seasons in the NRL.

Even if North Queensland are successful in poaching Valentine Holmes from the Sharks, Barba hopes to be in Cowboys colours in 2020.

“I would love to be longer,” he said.

“I know the club is being linked with Valentine Holmes, but all I can do is focus on my football, train and work hard, and let my footy do the talking. Hopefully that’s good enough.” here