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Ben Barba

Bulldogs

Bulldogs
 
Bulldogs

Jamie Lyon

Sea Eagles

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
 
Jamie Lyon
Now in his sixth season with Manly and 11th in the NRL since debuting with Parramatta in 2000, Jamie Lyon has developed into one of the most complete attacking players in the Telstra Premiership. The Sea Eagles co-captain has been inspirational in 2012 with his dynamic running game – combined with his playmaking abilities – helping Manly re-establish their standing as one of the competition’s powerhouses.
GalleryPlayer StatsVideo
GalleryPlayer StatsVideo
 
Ben Barba Bulldogs
 
Sea Eagles Jamie Lyon
 
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.
Is there a team to match Manly on the right side of the field when the Stewart brothers hit top gear? Manly boasted one of the best left-side attacks last year but they shifted their focus to the right in 2012, crossing for 35 tries.
Arguably Jamie Lyon's best season in the NRL: in particular his contribution assisting team-mates to the try line. Lyon ranks No.1 among centres for try assists (15) and line-break assist (13).
No sign of second-year syndrome as he performed solidly. Made more tackle busts than any No.7 (81). Proven ability to provide the match-winning play " evidenced by his two tries at the death against the Warriors in Round 21.
The Sea Eagles centre wins the race against the Roosters.
Came from behind to defeat Broncos in last minute in Round 10. Reeled in an 18-point-deficit to defeat the Warriors 24-22 in Round 21 courtesy of two late tries to Daly-Cherry Evans inside the final eight minutes. These two games pivotal should they finish in the top four.
A flurry of hands sees the Sea Eagles score a great team try.
The Sea Eagles string together a series of solid passes to score.
Second to the Bulldogs for scoring tries from over halfway, with 13 to date. None better than Daly Cherry-Evans' in the 10th minute of their season-opening victory in the 2011 GF with the Warriors.
 

Barba’s cut

Friday 13th July

Fringe King

Friday 10th August

Barba’s cut
Fringe King

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.

A graceful carrier of the football on the right edge, Lyon can beat his opposite number with a classic in-and-away, or send his winger or fullback through with a brilliant piece of improvised skill (as he did against the Broncos in Round 25, scoring a try himself and also setting up Brett Stewart). Lyon has scored nine tries this season and has added six line-breaks and 51 tackle-breaks; however it is his value as a ‘third half’ in the centres that sets him apart.

 
 
BulldogsBen Barba
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Sea EaglesJamie Lyon
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