Ben Barba has been given reason to believe he could make his Test debut next month after Australia selector Des Morris admitted the Canterbury-Bankstown fullback was making it increasingly difficult to leave him out of the side to play New Zealand.


Barba has been the outstanding player in the NRL this season, as evidenced by his runaway win in the Dally M medal count, but he could not force his way into the Queensland side for this year's State of Origin series.

His path to the Test side is even more pot-holed given the fullback spot is locked up by Melbourne Storm's Billy Slater, with South Sydney's No.1 Greg Inglis on hand as a back-up.

Morris, however, indicated Barba was under serious consideration for at least a place on the interchange bench for the Test against the Kiwis in Townsville on October 13.

"He's going to make it hard for anyone to leave him out," Morris said.

"The question is where do you fit him in. You can't fault his form. I am sure sooner or later he will get his chance. I suppose it will just depend on how he goes in the finals and how the other guys go.



"He's certainly worthy of an Australian jersey at this stage. Everything he touches has turned to gold."

The utility role on the bench was occupied by Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans for the Test against the Kiwis earlier in the year, but the Sea Eagles No.7 is no certainty to retain his spot given he spent the entire game watching from the sidelines.


Cherry-Evans's form has also been questionable over the latter stages of the season, although his Manly side is only one game away from the grand final.

The selectors have other options should they decide to look at someone other than Cherry-Evans, but Barba would provide the versatility required, having been signed by the Bulldogs to play in the halves.

He could also relieve hooker Cameron Smith, if necessary. The only concern would be over his ability to defend in the front line, although Barba has gone a long way towards erasing doubts over his tackling ability this season.

"He's put his credentials on the line every week," Morris said.

"My initial thoughts are who would you put in and who would you leave out? That's going to be the big decision and that's the big concern.

"That's why it's good we don't have to pick the side until October. Obviously we will be keeping an eye on all the players over the next few weeks.

"The better they go, the harder it is to leave them out."

Barba could barely ask for a better game to showcase his ability than Saturday night's meeting with Souths at ANZ Stadium, where he will oppose Inglis. Should the Dogs win that, his opponent on grand final day will be either Slater or Manly and NSW fullback Brett Stewart.

Meanwhile, Test selectors added six players to the Kangaroos' train-on squad on Monday, including North Queensland Cowboys quartet Matthew Scott, James Tamou, Brent Tate and Johnathan Thurston, who were eliminated from the finals at the weekend.

Kiwi selectors are expected to end the debate over the representative future of Canberra backrower Josh Papalii on Tuesday night when they sit down to add more players to their train-on squad.
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