Five minutes was all it took for Ben Barba to cross for his first Super League try of the season as he put in a man-of-the-match performance for new club St. Helens.
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The former NRL player, who had stints with the Bulldogs, Broncos and Sharks, ended the match with two tries and helped create four others as his side strolled to a 46-6 win over Castleford.
Barba showed glimpses of his potential in his first five Super League appearances at the end of last season following an unsuccessful stint with French rugby side Toulon, but stole the show in St Helens' season opener.
Tries in either half, Barba tormented his opponents and even created a try for fellow Aussie Zeb Taia.
The 28-year-old, who played the game at fullback, was awarded man of the match for his efforts with fans quick to praise the 2012 Dally M medalist.
@sthelensreport So Ben Barba runs the show for St Helens tonight and looks like a star ⭐️ in the making and possibly 'man of steel' after only just one game! Ive heard he's a bit of a nutcase,but the best players always are. Has 4kids all with names starting with the letter "B"
— Ian Scagnelli (@ianscagnelli) February 2, 2018
Ben Barba= On 🔥 Different class!!!!
— Super league (@SuperleagueNo1) February 2, 2018
Great gesture from Ben Barba, donate his MoM money to @SaintsComm ,helps pay for past players go to SA and Australia, thanks Ben
— eddie cunningham (@cunners4) February 2, 2018
Early days, not getting carried away yet, but on this form there isn't a side in SL that can stop Ben Barba
— Simon Jenkins (@FLC1889) February 2, 2018
If that's what we can expect from Ben Barba now he's got a pre-season under his belt, Saints are going to be great to watch this year #SLStHCas
— Andy Hampson (@andyhampson) February 2, 2018
Yes Benny B! Great start and great pic from @plattyphoto pic.twitter.com/IqTY6SkzL7
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) February 2, 2018
St Helens finished the last regular season in sixth, before scraping into the playoffs of the Super 8's where they fell to Castleford 23-22.
