He actually requires shoulder surgery and won't be playing for the Broncos this year if he switches back...which he won't.
This is all a beat up.
Some journalist asks Berrick "Would you go back to RL"
Berrick: "The door is never closed on RL"
Journo then goes to Cullen: "Would you take Berrick back"
Cullen goes :"yes"
Journo then starts fondling himself thinking he's got the scoop.
From:
http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/story/0,20797,18868294-10389,00.html
"A SHOULDER reconstruction will torpedo the Wallaby hopes of Reds tyro Berrick Barnes for 2006 and rule out any shock return to the Brisbane Broncos this year.
Barnes's future became suddenly clouded yesterday when he would give no concrete commitment to rugby union beyond the final four games of the Super 14 season with the Reds at flyhalf.
"The Reds have treated me great and all I'm focused on is the last four games and winning a few more with the boys," Barnes, 19, said. "After that I'll weigh things up. I've said all along the door is not closed with league."
He has a "get out" clause after the first season of his two-year contract with the Reds if he decides he wants to return to rugby league.
He would be a handy gain to fill the halfback or hooker trouble spots at the NRL club and Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen was happy to fan the interest yesterday.
"It seems Berrick has not ruled out a return to league and we would be keen to talk to him either at the end of the Super 14 season or later in the year," Cullen said.
"We have never counted on Berrick becoming available at the end of the Super 14. But as I say, if there is an opportunity to talk to him we will."
Cullen said the Broncos had checked the terms of the Barnes contract in rugby "when he switched codes with our blessing" and it tied him to the code until the end of October.
"What's come out is total speculation," Barnes said of a switch back to the NRL.
"The first news I heard of Bruno being interested in me (for this season) was a few hours ago."
Barnes is proving a hit with the Reds and has shown his maturity and slick skills to run a Super 14 backline at just 19.
He's done it all with a worsening shoulder complaint. Barnes admitted for the first time yesterday that he faces major surgery and six months out of the game.
He is a certainty for the Australian Under-21 tour of France in June but medical advice is certain to push for the surgery before the tour so he's fully fit for pre-season training for 2007.
It will snuff out a season which had promised to soar even higher.
Reds coach Jeff Miller said Barnes would be "crazy" to walk out on rugby after just a single season with the promising lift-off he's had.
"I really feel Berrick has a role in the World Cup next year to look forward to with the Wallabies because he's a fast learner and has been great for the Reds," Miller said.
Barnes is at flyhalf for Friday night's clash against the Cape Town-based Stormers at Suncorp Stadium."
