By Stuart Honeysett and Margie McDonald
July 21, 2010
Having already driven out former coach Ricky Stuart and chief executive Richard Fisk, a fractured relationship with chairman Damian Irvine is alleged to be behind captain Trent Barrett's decision to leave Cronulla at the end of the season.
Sources said that Barrett, who had indicated he would retire in spring but has now been linked with a switch to Parramatta, has had little time for Irvine since the club's round two game against the Warriors in March.
Barrett didn't play well during the 30-16 loss in Auckland and Irvine later humiliated the Sharks five-eighth by turning his back on him in front of a group of people.
It is also understood Barrett is not the only player who has issues with the chairman. Irvine is fast losing the respect of the dressing room over the growing exodus from the club.
Fisk admitted he had butted heads with his chairman over several issues before he decided against renewing his contract in May, while Stuart has had a poisonous relationship with Irvine since the chairman was said to have approached Nathan Brown to take over as coach.
Barrett, who captained NSW in the final State of Origin game this season and cited a growing family behind his reasons for retiring and returning home to Temora, is still playing well. And there are plenty who believe he is giving it away too early at age 32.
Given his frosty relationship withe Irvine, there are rumours he could join the Eels, given they are looking for an experienced half to help mentor Daniel Mortimer.
However, Irvine was adamant that Barrett, who missed Saturday night's embarrassing 48-18 loss to Manly with a shoulder injury, had made it clear to a group of sponsors that night that the Eels were not an option.
"It's still undecided what his decision is in regards to playing football again," Irvine said.
"But I've had a chat with Trent and I'm very confident that if he's not playing football here next year he will have a role with the club (as a coaching consultant) certainly."
Newly appointed coach Shane Flanagan, who was scheduled to take over in November but will now guide the club through its final seven games, said he expects Barrett to retire.
"Trent sat in my office and told me he wouldn't play for another club," Flanagan said.
"If Trent wants to play rugby league again I'm on the lookout for a half-five eighth, so I'll find the money so he can play here again."
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If we had to add another back I would bring Kimmoreley in to coach both Robbo and Morts.