Aug 20th, 2018

Aug 20th, 2018

Paul Gallen has thrown his weight behind former teammate Ben Barba’s return to the NRL, saying he’d love to have the controversial star back at Cronulla.

Speaking on 100% Footy, Gallen went a step further in his praise for Barba, comparing him to one of the NRL’s all-time greats.

“Ben Barba to me was the best fullback I’ve ever played (with),” Gallen said.

“At his peak, I’d say he’s better than Billy Slater, but Billy Slater was better for a much longer period of time.”

(AAP) Gallen said he would love to have the prolific Barba back at the Cronulla Sharks

Barba's potential return to the NRL has gathered steam over the previous month and Panthers general manager Phil Gould revealed that Barba's current club St. Helens had contacted him looking for a reference on a former Panthers player in order to replace Barba.

Gallen was discussing the potential return of Barba to the club after Nine reporter Neil Breen revealed that the Cowboys were targeting Gallen’s teammate Valentine Holmes and Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster to usher in the post-Johnathan Thurston era at the club.

The 37-year-old Sharks skipper said that while Holmes is yet to re-sign with the club, the decision won’t be one that is made in-season.

“I know from a club point of view at the Sharks, we’re leaving it,” Gallen said.

“If Val does decide to leave post-2019 and we miss a Ben Barba, that’s when all of a sudden you have a hole.

“I just don’t know why Val hasn’t signed the contract already. That’s why you get a little bit concerned that maybe he might head off in 2020.”

(AAP) Gallen said at his peak Barba was better than Storm legend Billy Slater

Gallen explained that he believed off-field, staying in Sydney with the Sharks would be a more viable and potentially lucrative option for the in-demand Holmes as opposed to heading to Townsville.

“Johnathan Thurston is the king of Townsville, he’d have every third-party sewn up,” Gallen said.

“(Holmes is) a good looking young kid and people like him. I think there’s a whole lot more opportunities down for here for him in Sydney.

“I’d love for him to stay and be the Sharks’ number one player for a long time.”