Push is on for Trent Barrett to coach Wests Tigers
TRENT Barrett is the front-runner to replace besieged Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter next year, with senior players, including club captain Robbie Farah, believing it's a done deal.
The likelihood of Potter surviving beyond this season took a devastating hit last Friday night when they lost to last-placed Parramatta.
The Tigers are now in danger of finishing with the wooden spoon for the first time in the merged club's history. The size of next week's task could not be greater as they face competition leaders, the Sydney Roosters, next Monday night.
Despite chief executive Grant Mayer categorically denying Barrett, the current assistant coach to Ivan Cleary at Penrith, will replace Potter, there is no question that interest in him has spiked over the past 48 hours.
The hot topic of who will coach the Tigers next season was a major talking point in a dejected dressing room at Parramatta Stadium last Friday night, which led to senior players, including Farah, discussing Barrett's anticipated arrival.
Barrett has formed a strong relationship with key figures at the Tigers, including Farah, Origin prop Aaron Woods, and Balmain legend Steve Roach, through his work as an assistant to Blues coach Laurie Daley.
There were also reports that Barrett met with Wests Tigers officials last Friday. That was refuted by Mayer on Saturday.
"No, not right. I can absolutely say that never has Trent Barrett met with the Wests Tigers board or management," he said.
Despite some support for Potter to be offered a second chance next season, his card has been marked.
