In-form Cronulla fullback Ben Barba has thanked coach Shane Flanagan for selecting him to start the season over Jack Bird and Valentine Holmes.

Many believed Barba’s day in the starting side were numbered after spending much of 2015 coming off the bench.

“I think me putting in some decent performances is just a way to repay him for giving me the first shot,” Barba told NRL.com.

“That allowed me to just focus on my role here at the club knowing that I’m the fullback.

“It allows me to go into the game with a clear head knowing exactly what I’ve got to do, and I guess it’s showing in my football at the moment.

“In saying that, I’ve got a lot of great guys in this team who are helping me and make my role a lot easier.”

The Sharks play Wests Tigers at Campbelltown on Saturday afternoon.