Raiders After Barrett....again

[Raidersrawesome]

Raiders in box seat for Barrett


DAVID JEAN, RUGBY LEAGUE
03 Jun, 2010 08:25 AM
The Canberra Raiders could be the beneficiaries of representative playmaker Trent Barrett's desire to return to his home town of Temora should the Cronulla captain decide to extend his NRL career beyond this season.
The Canberra Times understands Barrett is having second thoughts about retirement and is close to declaring his desire to play on for at least another season.
Barrett and his wife Kylie are keen to settle down with their young family in Temora, which is two-and-a-half hours west of Canberra.
Considering Barrett's mother also lives in Canberra, the Raiders will find themselves in the box seat to snare the 32-year-old should he depart Cronulla at season's end as expected.
The Canberra Times understands the Raiders sounded out Barrett's manager Wayne Beavis about the former NSW and Australian playmaker's intentions earlier in the season.
They have since extended incumbent halfback Josh McCrone's contract by a further two years.
Raiders chief executive Don Furner said he had not spoken to his coaching staff about recruiting Barrett.
However he indicated the Raiders would be interested if Barrett was genuine about continuing his NRL career.
Beavis said yesterday his client was yet to decide whether he would play on.
''But if he wants to play on he'll play on, I'm sure there'll be plenty of clubs interested in him,'' Beavis said.
Barrett is one of the leading contenders to replace injured Manly flyer Jamie Lyon as NSW five-eighth for State of Origin II.
But while his preferred position is five-eighth, the Raiders would likely use him as a halfback playing alongside long-term No6 Terry Campese.
Ironically the last time the Raiders attempted to recruit Barrett it almost came at Campese's expense.
The Raiders put contract talks with Campese on hold in 2008 to chase Barrett, who was then playing for English club Wigan.
The Raiders extended Campese's contract by two years when Cronulla secured Barrett's services.
Former Raiders halfback Michael Dobson has also been linked with a possible return to Canberra, although that is unlikely now the club has re-signed McCrone.
Meanwhile the Raiders are locked in a battle to retain in-form forward Trevor Thurling.
The club has offered the 26-year-old a two-year contract extension, but the Newcastle Knights have also expressed interest in him.
For more on this story, see the print edition of today's Canberra Times.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/new.../raiders-in-box-seat-for-barrett/1848301.aspx

as Gould would say No No No

 

[matt]

I reckon old Baz would have new lease on life playing with our highly talented youth.

I quite like this.

 

[dragon_around]

"in Temora, which is two-and-a-half hours west of Canberra."

That doesn't sound that appealing tbh.

I'd take Barrett to Canberra if and only if he could benefit the juniors coming through the ranks with experience.

Never thought I'd say this, but he's no Kimmorley.

 

[bileduct]

Yes.

 

[GC_Gladiator]

Barret has been pretty good the last couple of weeks. He was great last weekend in particular. Thats playing next to a gumpty like Tim Smith. I think he'd be fantastic for us behind a big forward pack spreading the ball to Campese. He'd be the perfect guy to take some pressure of Campo until a new halfback comes along.

 

[Talanexor]

You might as well just bring Jason Smith out of retirement.

Over the hill doesn't even begin to describe Barrett. And he's not even a halfback, just a big five-eighth. I thought you already had one of those.

 

[aussies1st]

Don't need another 5/8 although guess with our split halves structure it doesn't really matter if the player is a halfback or not. Just has to be able to organize his side of the field.

 

[Proud2BeCanberran]

Its a yes from me. Definite upgrade on what we have now, plus, as mentioned, its not like its going to clash with our halves structure because of our split halves setup.
At worst he fails and we revert back to mcCrone, which is what we are doing now. At the very least our interest in barrett surely spells the end for marc herbert.

 

[schnitzel]

They would have different numbers on their back, but Campo plays the role of a halfback anyway and Barrett would be the second reciever. It really depends on the $$$ and if he could help young Williams or Picker to develop into an NRL standard halfback.

 

[Raidersrawesome]

His form is sh*t in a sh*t side.

He is at the very back end of his career ,his form will not improve any.

He is questioning himself to go around again , so there must be doubt about his drive to play the game.

We do not need another 5/8 playing half.

Andrew Dunnemann anybody?

I hope we can bring Brown back so he can slap Barrett again

 

[Timbo]

Big yes. He's a million bajillion times better than McCrone.

Jason Smith turned Carney and Campese into the players they are. No reason why Barrett can't be be just as good for our young players.

 

[runatme]

no chance

 

[laurie]

wont win a comp with him... so whats the point.. would rather ricky stuart to guide the young blokes around as coach... waste of salary cap money unless he signs for match payments... which wont happen.. the hack should retire.. if he gets the 5/8 gig in front of carney i will go for QLD again.. well my money will anyway

 

[nickraider]

No thanks

 

[shear_joy9]

Would have loved him have signed barrett in 08. I wouldn't offer him anything over minimum wage now though.

 

[Nth-Qld-Raider]

Dave Furner just reported is BS, Barrett wont be here next year, neither will Buderus.

 

[Timbo]

No doubt we'll sign 17 'promising' journeymen backrowers for the 2011 campaign.

 

[Raidersrawesome]

Yahhh regarding Barrett. Dont want him.

 

[schnitzel]

Reported today by Don Furner that raiders were keen for Barrett to play one year in 2011 to guide young playmakers... but barrett has decided to retire.

 

[aussies1st]

Well at least they are looking for an experienced halve.