While Cronulla Sharks fullback Ben Barba (pictured) believes he may have lost a yard of pace since his barnstorming introduction to the NRL, he’s arguably playing his best footy since his Dally M winning year of 2012.

Barba has struggled off the field in recent years but after landing at the Sharks last year and having had the best pre season of his career, he’s taken his play to another level entirely.

Barba was unstoppable in the Sharks 26 – 10 defeat of Penrith on Sunday, scoring two tries in a man of the match performance that left skipper Michael Ennis in awe, not just for his attacking efforts but also for the way he lead from the back in defence.