Locke ready for Bulldog Barba’s bite

FULLBACK Kevin Locke is warning against the threat his tryscoring Bulldogs opposite Ben Barba could pose the Warriors ahead of their NRL clash in Auckland tomorrow.

With 23 four-pointers, Barba was tied with Rabbitohs No 1 Nathan Merritt for top try-scorer in the NRL last year, and Locke knows if he gets into the game early, the Warriors could be in for a long afternoon at Mt Smart Stadium.

‘‘He’s a boy that can put on points,’’ Locke said. ‘‘He can certainly score tries and he can certainly cause a lot of havoc. If I’m shutting him down and doing my job, it certainly stops his after a one-match suspension for a shoulder charge on Panther David Simmons in week one.

The Bulldogs have been revitalised under new coach Des Hasler, with two wins from two games, including an impressive victory over the Dragons last week.

Locke has noticed the changes made by the blue and whites and believes they will be a ‘‘dangerous’’ side in 2012.

‘‘They’re a lot different side than last year. I think they’ve settled down and know who their coach is,’’ he said. ‘‘They’ve got a good coach as well.

‘‘Des has got a lot to offer and a lot of experience behind him. He’s built some great footy teams. They showed on the weekend what they’re capable of and they’re going to be a dangerous side.’’

Locke impressed in the Warriors’ 36-20 victory over the Eels earlier this week, scoring a try and looking a constant threat from the back of the field.

The four-test Kiwi has experienced a change in fortunes in the past 12 months, with Lance Hohaia entrenched in the No 1 jersey early last year.

Yet Locke got his chance, thanks to Hohaia being rested after the 2011 Anzac test, and the 22-year-old hasn’t loosened his grip on the fullback’s jersey since.

He’s well aware, though, of the talent the Warriors have in the outside backs, with both Glen Fisiiahi and Under-20s star Omar Slaimankhel ready to swoop in to take his position if injury or poor form strikes. Locke is intent on making sure that doesn’t happen.

‘‘Coming into this season, wearing the fullback’s jersey means a lot,’’ he said. ‘‘But it is a new season, a new year. You’ve got the likes of Glen Fisiiahi and Omar Slaimankhel that are also outstanding fullbacks so that certainly keeps you on your toes.

‘‘One injury opens the door for them. Inconsistent footy opens the door for them as well.

‘‘I just want to keep working everything, week in and week out, and go from there. If it comes to a time where I do lose that jersey, I know those boys are capable of doing the job and I know they’re capable of working hard.’’