Brisbane veteran Sam Thaiday believes Ben Barba's poor form could lead to his exit from the club after just one season as new coach Wayne Bennett puts his stamp on the playing roster.
Thaiday's comments came after Fairfax Media revealed Cronulla had targeted Barba as a replacement for Todd Carney. Barba, Josh Hoffman and Martin Kennedy face uncertain futures at the Broncos as Bennett makes his mark.
"It kind of comes down to form," Thaiday said of Barba. "He probably didn't show the form we wanted him to show. Wayne wants to have a squad he has picked and selected so he can really do something."
Cronulla view Barba, who burst onto the scene as a fullback, as the man to fill their vacant No.6 jersey. The Sharks also sounded out Hoffman, whose desire to play fullback will likely result in his joining the Titans.
"Wayne is coming in and trying to stamp his authority," Thaiday said. "At the end of the day he is going to have a squad he can see and work with in the future.
"It's tough old sport we play. Sometimes you're on the wrong end of the stick and sometimes you do get moved on. I hope they can still be part of the Broncos.
"There is always talk and rumours going around. If the boys do leave it'll be tough for them but I wish them all the best. I'm sure I'll keep in touch and make sure they go well wherever they are."
Meanwhile, Thaiday will reluctantly play in the front row for the Kangaroos against New Zealand on Saturday night in their Four Nations encounter as coach Tim Sheens tries to solve the problem posed by his side's depleted prop stocks.
Thaiday – who has not started a Test at prop – has been a mainstay in the Kangaroos back row, where he has started 17 of his past 18 Tests.
"I would much prefer to play in the second row," Thaiday said. "It's a job I have to do now for the Australian team. There's probably a lot of other front-rowers out there who would be more than happy to play in this position. There's no real reason for me to whinge or carry on. I'm lucky to be in the team.
"The emblem on the heart is all that matters. The number and name on the back don't really mean anything."
Sheens let Thaiday know of his positional switch as soon as he entered camp.
"Probably the first thing he said to me as soon as he came into camp," Thaiday said. "He shook my hand and said 'hello' and said he had to use me in that position. I've pretty much known from day one.
"It was kind of good that it wasn't a surprise and he didn't spring it on me. I've had a chance to get my head around it. I'll just play the same role as I do for the Broncos.
"I tend to see myself as more of a ball playing front-rower than a standing straight up and down front-rower."
Thaiday will start at prop alongside the Kangaroos' only recognised front-rower, Aaron Woods. The duo will be rotated with Josh Papalii and Corey Parker against the Kiwis.
"[Woods] has been good," Thaiday said. "He had a tough year at the Tigers and is very happy to be part of this Australian squad. He was a really strong player for NSW. He is more than happy blokes like [James] Tamou, [Matt] Scott and Nate Myles aren't playing because he gets his opportunity to really stand up."
