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Ben Barba

Bulldogs

Bulldogs
 
Bulldogs

Billy Slater

Storm

It makes no difference whether he’s chiming into the backline on a set move or searching for room deep inside his own quarter – the fact is oppositions continue to find collaring Ben Barba the toughest assignment in the NRL. Just when players think they have him surrounded he’ll pump his legs and in a blur of acceleration be off and gone – either touching down for a try or paving the way for a team-mate to score.
Ben Barba
 
Billy Slater
Billy Slater was simply unstoppable early in the season, scoring nine tries in his first five games including doubles against the Raiders, Rabbitohs, Titans and Roosters. Having scored two tries in each of his first four games, he then fell one try short of becoming the first player in 100 years to make it doubles in his first five. He also broke the record for most tries scored in premiership history by a fullback when he scored his 130th against the Gold Coast in Round 3.
GalleryPlayer StatsVideo
GalleryPlayer StatsVideo
 
Ben Barba Bulldogs
 
Storm Billy Slater
 
Barba starts a length-of-the-field Bulldogs highlight reel.
From a standing start to sealing victory for the Bulldogs
A Bulldogs scrum sets Ben Barba up for his second try.
As if trying to contain their runners isn't enough of a challenge the Bulldogs present one of the biggest threats when kicking for their outside men They've scored a whopping 25 tries off the boot " ranking them second in the comp behind the Raiders.
Another length of the field special from the super-freak.
His unique talent covering support play, counter-attack and instigator.
Canterbury scored almost half of their season tries from moves that originated longer than 20 metres away from the opposition try-line. No side scored more tries from long range, with the 'Dogs crossing for an NRL-high 17 tries that were kick-started inside their own half.
Injuries to Bryson Goodwin, Steve Turner and Steve Lafai all covered by astute mid-season recruitments of Krisnan Inu and Sam Perrett. Inu's impact in particular was staggering after joining in Round 12.
Under Des Hasler the Dogs forwards now comprise ball-playing front-rowers, gifted offloaders, mobile runners and resolute defenders. Englishman James Graham (127 metres, 32 tackles) has been an unsung hero in his first NRL season.
Barba beats everybody to bring the Bulldogs fans to life.
Never write off the Storm. That's the message Melbourne sent to their rivals with two remarkable wins in Rounds 24 and 25. The first saw them come back from an early 12-0 deficit to snatch a thrilling 19-18 win over Brisbane thanks to a late Cooper Cronk field goal; the second saw them score two tries in the final two minutes to overcome an 18-10 deficit and steal a 20-18 win against Cronulla.
Melbourne's big three slice up the Penrith Panthers.
Melbourne's big three has perfected a set play that has become their trademark over the past two seasons. It's all pretty simple really. If the Storm manages a quick play-the-ball on the right edge, Cameron Smith will fire a pass from dummy-half to Cooper Cronk down the short side and he will pass inside to a flying Billy Slater to slice through.
After their infamous 2011 clash at Brookvale Oval that saw Adam Blair suspended for five weeks and Glenn Stewart three weeks, Manly and Melbourne squared off at the same venue again in Round 15 with the Storm prevailing this time 26-22.
Billy Slater was simply unstoppable early in the season, scoring nine tries in his first five games including doubles against the Raiders, Rabbitohs, Titans and Roosters. Having scored two tries in each of his first four games, he then fell one try short of becoming the first player in 100 years to make it doubles in his first five.
The Storm's big three slice up the centre of the Titan.
Melbourne's 2012 campaign very nearly got off to a rocky start with one of the pre-season competition favourites trailing Canberra 19-18 with just five minutes on the clock. But with five minutes remaining, Cooper Cronk placed a deft chip towards the posts and Billy Slater leapt highest to score a thrilling match-winner as the Storm snuck home 24-19.
The Storm fullback rises above to steal victory from the Raiders
Two of Melbourne's biggest wins this season came against Penrith, who they thrashed 44-10 in Round 9 and 46-6 in Round 22 for a combined score of 90-16. And they were significant for a number of reasons.
 

Barba’s cut

Friday 13th July

The inside ball

Saturday 4th August

Barba’s cut
The inside ball

Has there been a more naturally gifted attacking rugby league player? Matthew Bowen… Benji Marshall… Billy Slater… Greg Inglis… no question they’re all superstars – but no-one has ever before shown the ability to turn games on their heads so often and against the odds like Ben Barba has in 2012. The custodian has an unrivalled knack for reading plays; it’s like his mind is functioning five seconds ahead of the clock.

It’s the play that has bamboozled many an opponent. Usually called from a quick play-the-ball on the right edge of the field, hooker Cameron Smith will fire a ball wide to Cooper Cronk on the right who quickly shoots an inside pass – often while looking the other way – to a flying Billy Slater to steam into the gap. It’s a move that all sides are aware of, but stopping it is another thing.

 
 
BulldogsBen Barba
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