Hot off the presses...
Barrett granted permission to test UK market
27/1/06
www.jubileeavenue.com.au
St George Illawarra Dragons captain Trent Barrett has been given permission to negotiate with English clubs with a decision likely before the end of February. Today's development paves the way for Barrett to leave the NRL at the end of 2006.
Dragons chief executive Peter Doust and Barrett's manager Wayne Beavis met today following earlier speculation which linked Barrett to Wigan in the UK.
"I've got no comment on the likely outcome of today's talks. I wouldn't have a clue," Doust said yesterday.
Beavis was equally guarded and insisted that linking Barrett's name to Wigan was "purely market speculation".
"There's nothing to the story," Beavis said yesterday.
But this afternoon, Doust announced that Barrett wanted to see what interest he could attract from Super League clubs in England.
"He's going to contemplate a move overseas for 2007 and beyond," Mr Doust said.
"That doesn't mean that he's decided to go. He's just going to consider the offers and see what comes of it.
"I think that's the way things are going over there these days - they're looking to attract players of that calibre and so I think they'll be interested, no doubt."
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Barrett to test his worth on English league market
27/1/06
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200601/s1556479.htm
St George Illawarra captain Trent Barrett is almost certain to leave the National Rugby League club at the end of this season to play in England.
The Dragons have given Barrett permission to negotiate with English clubs and a decision is likely before the end of February.
Dragons chief executive Peter Doust said Barrett wanted to see what interest he could attract from Super League clubs in England.
"He's going to contemplate a move overseas for 2007 and beyond," Mr Doust said.
"That doesn't mean that he's decided to go. He's just going to consider the offers and see what comes of it."
Mr Doust said there was likely to be no shortage of offers for Barrett's services.
"I think that's the way things are going over there these days - they're looking to attract players of that calibre and so I think they'll be interested, no doubt."