Just watched the barrow DVD, some people seem to still be reserving judgement on Barker. This guy was in loads of tackles, and was one of the most reliable tacklers in that game. He seems to becoming a workhorse who works hard but will get little recognition like Smith.

Discuss

Totally agree.

We noticed it against Widnes where when on our own line, he and Worrincy were there to take a scoot out off our line helping the forwards out many a time.

I know you've watched the DVD but I was at the game and Barker in the first half was poor, I lost count the number of tackles he fell off, he was just flapping his arms at people. That said he wasn't the only player who had a bad game and he improved in the 2nd half.

There's no doubt Barker has a lot of ability, you don't play in 2 NL1 winning sides and SL if you haven't. He just looked as though he wasn't interested in the first half.

I don't mind if a player has a bad game but has tried their best, but not putting effort in isn't acceptable. Mark Roberts is a classic example, he's not the best player in the world, he's not the biggest or quickest, but every game he gives 110% and any mistakes he makes are probably through trying too hard.

I said whilst at the game that Barker was getting thru a lot of work, but do we not want something different from him? Maybe go thru a gap or create a break?
If he has a desire to play at 6, the squad number Calland gave him, he will have to show a bit more creativity.
As a centre I think he is very solid and along with Goddard we could have the best couple of centres in this division. Hopefully he will get a decent spell in the starting team and make a place his own.

Overall I am happy with his performances so far and he is one of the stronger members of the squad.