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Trent gives his game a makeover
By Tony Adams
January 10, 2003
NEW St George Illawara coach Nathan Brown has re-modelled Trent Barrett's game to restore the star five-eighth's reputation as one of rugby league's true match-winners.
In consultation with his assistant, former champion five-eighth Laurie Daley, Brown has completely turned around Barrett's role in preparation for the new season.
Barrett will be stripped of his job as an organiser and kicker in general play and told to do what he does best - run the football and create chances for his outside men.
"We have given it a lot of thought and everyone, including Trent, agrees that this is the way to go," Brown said.
"I want to see him taking on the defence more and feeding the guys outside him.
"Mark Gasnier is a class player in the centres but he hasn't had much ball in recent seasons ... this should change all that.
"Trent is happy to give it a try and hopefully we will see him come back to his best."
A key part of the Dragons' plans will be to have their new halfback take some of the pressure off Barrett by replacing him in the key role of first receiver.
But the club has yet to decide who will take over from Willie Peters at No.7 with three contenders - Brett Firman, Keiran Kerr and Dean Byrne - all vying for the spot.
"The plan is for one of these guys to come good and help Trent out," Daley said.
"All three are talented kids, so it should work out well."
Barrett sees the change in role as a challenge leading into the new season.
"It will simplify things for me and also be helpful for me to have the halfback running the show," the Dragons skipper said.
"I wasn't happy with my form with the Dragons last year and want to play the way I play in the NSW team when I'm with Andrew Johns.
"My goal is to do more week to week and play more consistently for the club.
"It will take me a while to get used to this [new role], but I believe it will be good for both me and the team.
"We're trying it at the moment in our ballwork at training and it's working well.
"I'm happy to play a little wider and I'll also be relieved of the kicking duties, which suits me fine.
"Brett, Dean and Keiran are all good kickers so the job will be in good hands whoever is wearing the No.7."
Barrett plans to kick off his 2003 campaign in next month's World Sevens.
"It's always a lot of fun and a good test of where you are at as far as fitness goes," he said.
"I'm looking forward to it."
The Dragons are hoping that Barrett will play a similar role to that which Brad Fittler filled with the premiership-winning Roosters last year.
"When Freddy played well, the whole Roosters team followed suit," Daley said.
"We are confident that if Trent can be at his best every week and is running the ball, we will be very competitive."
______________________________________________
Any ideas/opinions on this new plan?
Do you agree/disagree?
By Tony Adams
January 10, 2003
NEW St George Illawara coach Nathan Brown has re-modelled Trent Barrett's game to restore the star five-eighth's reputation as one of rugby league's true match-winners.
In consultation with his assistant, former champion five-eighth Laurie Daley, Brown has completely turned around Barrett's role in preparation for the new season.
Barrett will be stripped of his job as an organiser and kicker in general play and told to do what he does best - run the football and create chances for his outside men.
"We have given it a lot of thought and everyone, including Trent, agrees that this is the way to go," Brown said.
"I want to see him taking on the defence more and feeding the guys outside him.
"Mark Gasnier is a class player in the centres but he hasn't had much ball in recent seasons ... this should change all that.
"Trent is happy to give it a try and hopefully we will see him come back to his best."
A key part of the Dragons' plans will be to have their new halfback take some of the pressure off Barrett by replacing him in the key role of first receiver.
But the club has yet to decide who will take over from Willie Peters at No.7 with three contenders - Brett Firman, Keiran Kerr and Dean Byrne - all vying for the spot.
"The plan is for one of these guys to come good and help Trent out," Daley said.
"All three are talented kids, so it should work out well."
Barrett sees the change in role as a challenge leading into the new season.
"It will simplify things for me and also be helpful for me to have the halfback running the show," the Dragons skipper said.
"I wasn't happy with my form with the Dragons last year and want to play the way I play in the NSW team when I'm with Andrew Johns.
"My goal is to do more week to week and play more consistently for the club.
"It will take me a while to get used to this [new role], but I believe it will be good for both me and the team.
"We're trying it at the moment in our ballwork at training and it's working well.
"I'm happy to play a little wider and I'll also be relieved of the kicking duties, which suits me fine.
"Brett, Dean and Keiran are all good kickers so the job will be in good hands whoever is wearing the No.7."
Barrett plans to kick off his 2003 campaign in next month's World Sevens.
"It's always a lot of fun and a good test of where you are at as far as fitness goes," he said.
"I'm looking forward to it."
The Dragons are hoping that Barrett will play a similar role to that which Brad Fittler filled with the premiership-winning Roosters last year.
"When Freddy played well, the whole Roosters team followed suit," Daley said.
"We are confident that if Trent can be at his best every week and is running the ball, we will be very competitive."
______________________________________________
Any ideas/opinions on this new plan?
Do you agree/disagree?
