I’d be a Titan if not for Hodgo: Barba

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BEN Barba held negotiations with the Titans before the influence of Brisbane veteran Justin Hodges helped the Broncos trump their derby rivals for his prized signature.

Barba's revelation comes as NRL head of football Todd Greenberg — the former Bulldogs boss who supported the fullback in his darkest days — claimed the fallen star had again found happiness.

Barba will wear Broncos colours in tonight's Queensland derby, but the 2012 Dally M Medallist admits he seriously contemplated pledging his future to the Titans.

The Courier-Mail can reveal Titans hierarchy sounded out Barba's management last year as he weighed-up his future in Sydney. A key bargaining chip for the Titans was Barba's younger brother Marmin, who lived on the Gold Coast as a member of Intrust Super Cup feeder-club Tweed Heads.

Broncos training — Ben Barba and Justin Hodges. Source: News Corp Australia

The parties held preliminary talks, but two major factors ultimately delivered Barba to the Broncos. One was partner Ainslie Currie's decision to settle in Brisbane with their two daughters. The other was Hodges, who offered to help Barba in a mentoring role if he could broker a release from the Bulldogs.

"It was definitely in the back of my mind to join the Titans," Barba said ahead of tonight's clash at Cbus Super Stadium.

"It was either the Titans or Broncos, and a lot depended on where Ainslie was going with the girls.

"I left it mainly to my management, they did the talking with the Titans and Broncos while I got my life in order.

"It's nice to know a team like the Titans were interested, but a lot was influenced by where Ainslie would end up.

"I have some good mates at the Gold Coast and my brother lives there.

"It was a close call, but in the end I went for Brisbane. I am pretty close with Hodgo and he was a real factor in getting me to the Broncos."

Ben Barba of Brisbane makes a break. Source: News Corp Australia

Greenberg was Canterbury's chief executive when Barba dropped a bombshell last year, seeking time out on the eve of the 2013 season to address personal problems.

Both Greenberg and Barba have since severed ties with the Belmore club, but the NRL's head of football yesterday revealed he remains interested in the fullback's welfare.

"I've kept in touch with Ben," Greenberg said.

"We've spoken a few times, mainly not talking about his football, mainly talking about his family life. I know he is really happy and he and Ainslie seem really settled in Brisbane so I was happy to see that.

Ben Barba at Broncos training. Source: News Corp Australia

"I think he's still finding his way in Brisbane on the field, but it's clear he's a wonderful footballer and he's in a great environment. He looks to me to be happy on and off the field."

Broncos coach Anthony Griffin dismissed suggestions Barba, who has yet to score a try this season, is not delivering value for money.

"Ben was like a lot of us last week, he wasn't at his best," he said. "I don't care if he doesn't score a try for another five weeks, as long as he does the job for the team.

"The good thing about Ben is he's harder on himself than anyone. I have no worries at all."

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