BEN’S BACK ON TOP

Barba’s magic show

BEN BARBA finally cut loose and turned on the magic last night to boost Saints’ play-off chances.

The full-back was touted as one of Super League’s biggest signings when Saints snapped him up over the summer.

His debut was delayed while he served a 12-game cocaine ban and his first two matches were decidedly rusty.

Break

But he showed here why he was one of the superstars of the NRL.

He turned on the after-burners to put away winger Regan Grace for Saints’ second try early in the first half.

Barba was just as devastating with a break in the second half, going it alone for a great individual try.

Huddersfield, who had nothing to play for apart from pride, found him a handful all night. But Jonny Lomax – switched from full-back into the halves because of Barba – was just as dangerous. He scored two tries, one from a Danny Richardson grubber kick and the second after some Grace brilliance.

The Wales winger weaved his way past several Giants players in a devastating 70-metre break.

The win lifts Saints up to fourth, above both Wakefield and Wigan, who play leaders Castleford tomorrow.

The Giants pulled a try back in the first half through Oliver Roberts and they got two late second-half touchdowns from Ryan Hinchcliffe and Jordan Rankin.

But Saints were always in control, with Mark Percival, Ryan Morgan and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook grabbing tries and Percival kicking six goals.