Barba backed after snubbing fans
JUSTIN HOLBROOK has jumped to the defence of wantaway star Ben Barba after he snubbed fans.
The Aussie superstar went straight down the tunnel at the end of St Helens’ last two games, both defeats.
Some fans are unhappy that the 29-year-old full-back has not gone to acknowledge them with the rest of the team.
But Saints coach Holbrook, who is also from Australia, insists Barba is not deliberately causing offence.
He said: “He is not trying to disrespect the fans by not going over. I am on Benny’s side with this.
“It is just the way we have grown up. If we get beat, I feel like, ‘Why am I going to clap you after playing poorly?’.”
Some fans believe Barba’s reaction after the last two games adds to the growing fear that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
Reports in the NRL claim Barba has asked to be released from his Saints contract a year early so that he can return home.
Saints are currently discussing the matter with Barba, but Holbrook insists it has nothing to do with him ignoring fans.
He said: “Benny takes things a lot harder than most people and he puts a lot of pressure on himself and his performances. If he feels he has not delivered, he will not take praise or accolades too well.
“Sometimes top players are a bit different, but on the flip side they can stand out in a bad way too.
Form
“He said he clapped them at the start, but if we get beat, he does not feel he should go over and clap them.
“It is the English thing to do, to clap fans for coming to watch, but I am on Benny’s side with this – I don’t get it.”
Saints hope to reach an agreement with Barba in the next few weeks about his future. Holbrook added: “The club is looking at it now because it has been lingering on for a while.
“I do not know the answer. All we can do is try and make him get back to his best for this year.”
Barba’s form has dipped, but Holbrook says that’s because of niggling knee and rib problems, rather than doubts over his contract with the club.
Barba joined Saints midway through last year after Cronulla Sharks sacked their Grand Final winner for testing positive for cocaine.
Runaway Super League leaders Saints travel to Wakefield on Thursday in the second round of the Super 8s.