Canterbury try-scoring sensation Ben Barba says he won’t let speculation the Bulldogs are chasing rival NRL fullbacks rattle his focus ahead of the new season.

Barba was one of few bright spots in an otherwise dismal 2011 campaign for the Bulldogs, with the 22-year-old making the most of his permanent switch to fullback in leading the NRL with 23 tries from 24 matches.

Despite that rich return, Barba has spent an off-season hearing whispers his club is on the lookout for a new No.1.

Bulldogs officials have denied the talk but, with new coach Des Hasler yet to put his stamp on a roster he largely inherited from Kevin Moore, it can be hard to ignore.

The club was said to be interested in Canberra ace Josh Dugan – though he looks set to stay with the Raiders – while Hasler’s long-standing relationship with Manly No.1 Brett Stewart has some predicting the pair could be reunited in 2013 when Stewart comes off contract.

Barba, who is contracted until the end of the 2015 season, is hoping his performances this year silence any doubters.

“I’m not too worried about all that,” Barba told AAP.

“The club can do what they want. I just know I have to concentrate on preparing well and playing well.

“If I can do that, the rest will take care of itself.”

Barba says he has enjoyed the first few months under Hasler, and hopes his try-scoring potential will only increase under the two-time premiership mentor.

Hasler exploited Stewart’s footwork and speed to great effect at the Sea Eagles as he made him a focal point of the attack, and there’s little doubt the new coach will be keen to put Barba’s skills to work similarly.

In a warning to opposition defences, Barba says he has increased his speed over the off-season under the eye of new sprint coach Clayton Kearney, who joined Hasler in arriving from Manly.

Asked if the work had paid off, Barba offered, “I don’t know – they (the coaches) are telling me it is.”

And while convincing the doubters is at the top of his priority list, Barba also knows a Queensland State of Origin spot could be within reach with a strong start to 2012.

The domino effect of Darren Lockyer’s retirement and Cooper Cronk’s likely elevation to the Maroons starting side means there is an opening on the bench for a utility.

Having grown up playing in the halves, Barba’s versatility makes him a likely contender, but he’s not getting ahead of himself.

“It’s every Queenslander’s dream to pull on that jersey, but I just need to play well for the Bulldogs,” Barba said.