BEN SLUMP IS BLAMED ON INJURY
Bayliss predicts veteran fast bowler will still be taking Test wickets at 40
THE QUICKS WITH MOST TEST WICKETS Glenn McGrath 563 Jimmy Anderson 553 Courtney Walsh 519 Kapil Dev 434 Richard Hadlee 431 Stuart Broad 424 Dale Steyn 421 Shaun Pollock 421 Wasim Akram 414 Curtley Ambrose 405 ST HELENS coach Justin Holbrook has dismissed suggestions that the persistent speculation over Ben Barba’s future is behind his dip in form.
The star full-back (above) continues to be linked with a move back to Australia at the end of the season despite being contracted for 2019, and in recent weeks has not hit the heights of his earlyseason displays.
But Holbrook says that is down to knee and rib injuries that have yet to fully heal.
He said: “The speculation has been there all year – it’s not affecting him.
“We want to get him back firing at the end of the year with how he started the year.
“He’s still good enough, and I tell him that an 80 to 85 per cent Benny is still good enough.
“He’s nearly over the niggles now, his knee’s almost right and his ribs are a little bit sore.
“But we’ve a week off coming up and he should be 100 per cent after that.”
Holbrook also rejected claims that Barba not applauding Saints supporters after recent defeats to Catalans Dragons and Huddersfield was a sign of his discontent.
He added: “It’s just the way we’ve grown up. Benny takes things a lot harder than most people, and puts a lot of pressure on himself and his performance.
“If he feels like he hasn’t delivered in that area he’s not going to take praise or acknowledgement.
“He’s not trying to disrespect the fans by not going over.”