EXCITING Broncos signing Marmin Barba is one of four NRL stars to be aligned with the Ipswich Jets for the 2014 Intrust Super Cup season.
Barba, the younger brother of Broncos big name recruit Ben Barba, is joined by fellow Brisbane players Daniel Vidot, Martin Kennedy and Ben Hannant as players Ipswich can field if they are not required for NRL duty with Brisbane.
Each season the Broncos assign their top squad players to Intrust Super Cup clubs they have an alliance with.
Former Ipswich colt Kennedy and Hannant will be integral members of the Broncos’ top 17 on a weekly basis in the NRL while Vidot, recently signed from the Dragons, will contend strongly for an outside back position with Brisbane.
Barba, 22, is an immense talent but is the member of the quartet likely to see the most game-time with the Jets.
Ipswich co-coach Ben Walker said Barba, who has joined the Broncos from the Titans, was a versatile player who could slot in anywhere in the backline.
“We played against Marmin a few times when he was at Tweed Heads and he was always a threat,” Walker said.
“He is good on his feet and his asset is obviously his running game. We’ll look to utilise that as much as we can.
“Marmin can play half, five-eighth, centre, fullback or wing. He could even play hooker if he had to.
“He’ll be with us full-time, I’d say. He’ll be good for us.
“We have played against Daniel Vidot a few times when he was with Souths-Logan a few years ago and he was always a threat too.
“When we are playing against guys and we identify them as a threat against us, it is always nice to have them potentially playing with you rather than against you.”
Walker, a former Bronco, said it was good to see the Jets’ relationship with Brisbane blossoming.
“We are certainly not going to knock back quality players,” he said.
“We got Lama Tasi back for a few games last season but we are still a long way behind where the other (feeder) clubs are that get six or seven back regularly that they can use.
“It is a good start, but we like to bring our own guys through and give them an opportunity.”
Major losses for the Jets in 2014 are Ian Lacey (retired), Nathaniel Neale (South Sydney) and Jacob Ling (Easts Tigers).
The Jets are yet to announce any big name signings.
Thanks to the QT and Joel Gould.. For more go to – http://www.qt.com.au/news/barba-set-to-ignite-ipswich/2089796/