Barba eyes Olympic sevens berth

The Queensland Cup's most prolific tryscorer has switched codes and set his sights on representing Australia in rugby sevens at next year's Olympic Games.

Marmin Barba, the younger brother of NRL star Ben, announced his intention to do so via an Instagram post following a stunning two-year stint with the Ipswich Jets.

The electrifying utility back scored 52 tries in two seasons for the Jets, who defeated the Townsville Blackhawks in this year's grand final, but the 24-year-old was unable to parlay his state-level form into an NRL contract.

Blessed with incredible natural speed, skill and game sense, Barba has long been identified as a possible sevens star but now has only a matter of months to master the new rules and convince the Thunderbolts coaching staff he is a worthy potential Olympian.

"Just want to announce that I won't be playing wit (sic) the "MIGHTY IPSWICH JETS" next year," Barba said on Instagram.

"I will be wit (sic) the Australian rugby sevens and hopefully pursue the Olympic dream."

The Thunderbolts qualified for Rio by sweeping through the Oceania regional qualifying tournament in Auckland last month.

Women's sevens coach Tim Walsh has steered the side on a interim basis since the shock resignation of Geraint John in August but the Australian Rugby Union intends to soon install a full-time coach.