Trent Barrett joins Eels as Assistant Coach in 2023

Parramatta Eels have today announced the appointment of Trent Barrett to join the Club as an NRL Assistant Coach for two years from the 2023 season.

Parramatta Eels Head Coach Brad Arthur said, “Trent has a wealth of football experience which he has harnessed over almost three decades as an elite player and coach, I’m sure he will contribute significantly to help enhance our football program.”

Barrett has a decorated career as a player with 235 NRL games for Illawarra Steelers, St George Illawarra Dragons and Cronulla Sharks, and an additional 60 games for Wigan in the UK. He has represented NSW and won 15 caps for Australia.

Barrett has extensive coaching experience with Canterbury Bulldogs, Manly Sea Eagles and as an assistant coach with Penrith Panthers.

Parramatta Eels General Manager of Football Mark O’Neill said, “Brad identified Trent Barrett as someone who could add great value to our football program. We all agreed that to be the case based on Trent’s credentials and experience. I know he will be a wonderful fit for our club as we seek to continuously improve each and every year. I look forward to welcoming Trent and his family to our club”.

"This is why the players don't want anymore expansion for now, they feel like there is too much roster churn for all the teams, they haven't had a chance to really build a team culture. It honestly wouldn't surprise me if we handed back our license.…"

"That is what I thought Coryn. Last night their defence was something an Eels fan could but dream of and their attack? So well drilled, everyone knows his role and just does his job. Benchmark for sure. They will not beat themselves, it will take…"

Replies

- LB > josh jones August 18, 2022 at 3:11pm
  
  If you are bringing Barrett in with the slightest mind set he can take over if BA is sacked then you are better off sacking BA now.
  - Frank The Tank > LB August 18, 2022 at 4:57pm
    
    This
josh jones August 18, 2022 at 2:33pm

So what is BA need so nothing now with these assistants. BA has a tough job. Pick the same team every round and use the sage stategy from 8yrs ago.
Go away BA August 18, 2022 at 2:37pm

So does an assistant have any say, or do they just carry out the coach's game plans?
Zip zip August 18, 2022 at 2:47pm

Damn, I'd take Flanagan over Barret any day!
Snakey - official minorities spokesman August 18, 2022 at 2:52pm

Absolutely terrible news, this place is beyond a joke.

The chances of Trent and BA winning a comp is zero.

10 years into BAs job, after winning 2 finals appearences, we decide to bring in Barratt to help, that will do me.
- Frank The Tank > Snakey - official minorities spokesman August 18, 2022 at 4:58pm
  
  Yep I can't stop shaking my head Snake.
  
  The pain of another two years of BA is too much to bear.
  - This reply was deleted.
    - ParraTrooper47 > Snakey - official minorities spokesman August 19, 2022 at 11:40am
      
      You would have to dig underground to get low enough
  - ParraTrooper47 > Frank The Tank August 19, 2022 at 11:39am
    
    It's extremely frustrating turn a sane person to white powder
Will 5150 August 18, 2022 at 2:54pm

Fair dinkum... soon we'll have every ex-player in some capacity on the coaching staff. What do they all do? Biggest laugh I got:

Parramatta Eels Head Coach Brad Arthur said, “Trent has a wealth of football experience which he has harnessed over almost three decades as an elite player and coach, I’m sure he will contribute significantly to help enhance our football program.”

We've all listened to BA enough, seen the interviews, watched the pressers... hands up who thinks he actually said the above. Didn't think so. They could at lease make it sound vaguely like something Forrest Arthur might actually say.