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Trent Barrett (born 18 November 1977 in Temora, New South Wales) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer. He plays for the Wigan Warriors in the European Super League competition and has represented New South Wales and Australia. He previously played for the Illawarra Steelers before they merged with St. George Dragons (now St George Illawarra Dragons). His normal position is five-eighth though he has also been known to play at various other positions, such as lock, hooker and halfback.
He will join the Cronulla Sharks from the 2009 season.[1]
Playing career
While attending St. Gregory;s Campbelltown, Barrett played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1995.[2]
One of the traits Barrett has shown throughout his career is his varied skills as a playmaker, able both to run with the ball in hand and also to kick accurately behind attacking defences.
Barrett burst onto the scene in 1996 with the Illawarra Steelers, immediately attracting attention due to his obvious natural ability and potential, within two years of first grade, Barrett had already been selected to play his first State of Origin match. His 30 tries in only 48 game period[citation needed] of time reflects the brilliance that he can often display.
His first season at the new joint venture of the St George Illawarra Dragons was marred by controversy as the incessant media hype over an alleged feud with Anthony Mundine and whether by playing out of position at half-back was affecting his form. With the shock departure of Mundine in 2000, Barrett was allowed to move back to his more comfortable position of five-eighth and his form returned which could clearly be seen by his receiving of the Dally M Medal in 2000.
In 2005 Barrett made history during the Tri-Nations by becoming the first ever Kangaroo to be sin binned twice in one match[citation needed]He was sin binned in the first half for what he said was a 'nothing' incident, and was dismissed in the 70th minute for illegally tackling a Great Britain player on his way to the tryline. The Kangaroos won the match 26-14.
Following a Round 12, 2006 game against the Newcastle Knights, Barrett was charged with a grade five striking charge on Newcastle's Brian Carney. The incident initially went unnoticed throughout the entire weekend but it is understood a Channel Nine producer picked up the incident. Barrett was suspended for six matches, ruling him out of Dally M contention.
Barrett had two years left on his St George Illawarra Dragons contract, but a get-out clause enabled him to quit the club for a move to England. He signed a three year deal with the Wigan Warriors on May 4 2006, despite their position at the bottom of the Super League and the threat of relegation to National League Division 1.
Barrett made his Wigan debut in a 16-10 defeat against Warrington at the JJB Stadium on 9th February 2007.
In October 2007, Barrett was named as the Rugby League Players' Player of the Year but missed out on the "Man of Steel" although he had been tipped to be named.[3] James Roby of St. Helens received the award.
Following a release from the final year of his three year contract with Wigan, Barrett signed with the Cronulla Sharks in June, 2008, on a two-year deal, commencing in 2009. St George Illawarra Dragons supporters are looking forward to rolling out the Red Carpet for Barrett when he returns to WIN Stadium in Sharks colours.[4]
Representative games
- "Club:" Played 199 games for the Illawarra Steelers and the St George Illawarra Dragons
- Country: Played for country in City/Country Origin
- State Of Origin: Played 6 games in total for New South Wales
- International: Played 7 tests to date for Australia including the 2000 World Cup
Awards
- Dally M: Dally M Player of the Year in 2000
- Super League Players' Player of the Year 2007
Footnotes
External links
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