It does seem a very bitter statement doesn't it. I could understand that in a heat of the moment interview, but to put a release out like that is strange. As you said, turning down extra money doesn't really jump out as the go to thing for a guy with a questionable character. As a couple of people have hinted, it seems Barba has made some very positive noises, to the point where someone at Warrington now feels very let down on a personal level, hence the tone of the statement.

All in, I think Holbrook has had a big input into his decision. He seems to know Ben pretty well and sounds like he trusts him too, so perhaps it's reciprocated. I'd say that was the biggest single reason for him choosing Saints. We are also a club with a long standing reputation in Australia too. We've were successful for a long period of time and are still very well connected with the likes of Meninga and Daniel Anderson often consulted. If you asked an Aussie to name the big English sides, unfortunately it would be 1)Wigan, 2)Leeds 3)St Helens.

Are there any rumours who this centre is? I'm very intrigued by that. I had Kyle Eastmond down for that, but it seems it's not him.

Any idiot with half-an-ounce of common sense could tell you we're going to sign a centre. So instead of stating the obvious, name the player you think we're going to sign. It's not like you've made a monkeys-ass out of yourself already with your named predictions. What could possibly go wrong

Found this on Facebook rlrl https://www.facebook.com/groups/117198151807628/

Found this on Facebook rlrl https://www.facebook.com/groups/117198151807628/

Threads like this remind me why I don't look on here very often now. Does anyone not think that Guardian article might have an element of fabrication and embellishment? Why would any 'source' make those comments?

It even had me fooled that it was an official press release. Poor journalism.

Agree. If you had no allegiance but wanted a fair chance of winning a GF in your 2 years in the UK - who would you sign for?

Guardian article "source" is clearly very bitter, must have thought it was a "done deal"... that'll teach them to believe internet rumours.
I suspect the fact that Barba and Holbrook have the same agent was highly significant in his choice.

Barba deal done & dusted & the playground slanging is getting embarrassing . Lock it mods !

Classic RD this.

I had decided to stay away until we have a new coach, but so glad i logged back on for this one.

Tremendous stuff.

i think we would have had a better chance of signing ali barba as we have some of his thieves (stealing a wage) playing week in week out.

I don't think you've got 40 thieves though despite the doom and gloom on here

Don't do that. You'll be waiting a long time I feel...

That's a shame, I hadn't noticed.
Do let me know next time, but welcome back.

There have been numerous RD exclusives over the years. This is the funniest. Zero correct, about 28 incorrect

Regards

King James