New signing narrowly avoids time on the sideline.
Brisbane Broncos coach Anthony Griffin is able to breath a sigh of relief with news superstar off-season signing Ben Barba should not miss any game time.
Barba was a notable omission from the Broncos side in the inaugural NRL Auckland Nines against the North Queensland Cowboys after picking up an injury complaint earlier on day two.
The Queensland star lasted just five minutes in his side’s 18-14 victory over the Cronulla Sharks in the semi final, after he make a try-saving tackle.
Fears were heightened when Barba had to come off the field straight away, with the playmaker needing surgery on the same ankle just before being signed by the Broncos.
However, Barba should play for the Broncos in round one after being cleared of any serious damage.
“Ben is alright,” Griffin said as the Broncos took home a $240,000 runners-up cheque after being beaten by the Cowboys in the decider.
“We stood him down for the final. He only played five minutes of the semi, he just had a little foot problem that as he kept warming up and playing he got worse and worse so we left him out of the last game.”
The news was not so promising for Broncos teammate David Stagg, who will be sidelined for up to six weeks after suffering medial ligament damage in their 16-11 quarter-final win over Newcastle.
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