Trent Barrett and the Eels

I just read Colin Hewett's comment about the Trent Barrett and Jarryd Hayne combination.

"Did anyone notice the Barrett - Hayne combination that developed in the 2nd half.Barrett was looking to get Hayne into space - didn't always work but it was worrying the toads at time"

I also read in the Telegraph today a line about the game possibly given Barrett pause to re-consider his retirement.

"Perhaps even the veteran skipper Trent Barrett, who hinted that the spirited performance would add to his retirement dilemma over the coming week."

Hey? What dilemma. This is what was reported on June 11.

Trent Barrett's manager has told two NRL clubs, the New South Wales Blues five-eighth is off the market for 2011 because he will be retiring. Manager Wayne Beavis has told current club Cronulla and suitors Canberra the off-contract Sharks skipper will hang up his boots at the end of 2010.

So suddenly, we've gone from Barrett being dead-set of retiring to having a dilemma? Incidentally, who was the reporter who became aware of this dilemma? Josh Massoud from the Tele, who's reporting on the Eel's election last year knocked out Fitzy. From where I've been watching it looks like Massoud has a direct line through to Chief Roy.

Think about what you would do, if you still really remained convinced that over the long-term Daniel Mortimer is capable of playing half-back. Well, I think its obvious to make it work you would need an experienced, ball-playing number six who can take more than his fair share of responsibility for guiding the side around.

One might also remember Daniel Anderson singing Trent Barrett's praises in the post-match press conference when the Sharks beat the Eels.

So maybe the prospect of a final pay-packet to play with the Sharks or Canberra might not be appealing enough for Barrett to go around again. But maybe, one last shot at a Premiership with the Eels, a whopping big paypacket and now, a chance to once again lead the young Blues might be an altogether different story?

"You are entitled to your opinion Clint, but Mahoney's passing is one area where he outranks Smith if there is one. Mahoney has one of the best passes in the competition for a Hooker. Smith's passing is good, it is clean and can make the necessary…"

"Smith is already better than Reed in my eyes. He's a much better passer of the ball and a better defender. Reed was like a pinball in defence at times and couldn't make it through a full season. Problem was BA didn't try any other hookers on the…"

Replies

fpv eel July 8, 2010 at 1:05pm

very interesting. Would take Barrett in a hearbeat and would do great with helping morts in his role and helping him gain confidence.
Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" July 8, 2010 at 1:09pm

How old is Barrett? 32?
Older guys still cutting it out there atm.

Based on his performance at club and SOO level this year he is looking like a good wine - getting better with age.
Far more consistent this year as well.

After watching Hayne and Barrett I was feeling a bit regretful about Barrett's retirement and this "dilemma" is not at all surprising.

For mine that combination last night showed a massive amount of promise.
6 - and possible captaincy problem solved. Barrett seems to play better with respopnsibility on him.
Parra Mafia July 8, 2010 at 1:17pm

Barrett played really well last night. He looks like he could easily go around another season. He certainly ticks all the right boxes, especially if Anderson is determined to keep Mortimer at halfback. I did like the idea of Kimmorley, but Barrett looks a lot fresher than Noddy does at this stage of their careers and Orford I'm not keen on. Trent Barrett would do me.
GOlling July 8, 2010 at 1:20pm

I would prefer Barrett to Cronk !!!

More mongrel
- fpv eel > GOlling July 8, 2010 at 1:28pm
  
  thats true. i remember the game against the saints when Barrett tried to remove PJ's head!
- postcard > GOlling July 8, 2010 at 1:42pm
  
  you would rather barrett for a year or 2 then cronk for 4 years at least?
Fyno July 8, 2010 at 1:35pm

very interesting! Definitely wouldn't mind Barrett or Kimmorley, i don't really care, we just need an experienced half put in there somewhere, bring back Jason Taylor :P
- postcard > Fyno July 8, 2010 at 1:43pm
  
  did you just ask if johnny mannah was a fullback?
Make Parra Great Again July 8, 2010 at 2:31pm

Barrett would be a good aquisition to the EELS, cheap as well given his age.
N1cK July 8, 2010 at 2:35pm

I'm not a huge fan of barrett, but that being said we defiantly need an experienced halve and if he is the best on the market why not. I dont think we'd have to throw a whole lot of money at him either, if he plays on it would be with the hope of winning a premiership not for a payday.