Stuart A Hard Act To Follow: Barrett

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday December 10, 2008

By TIM BARROW

FORMER Test five-eighth Trent Barrett believes the biggest challenge for the new Australian coach will be maintaining the passion Ricky Stuart had for the green and gold jersey.

Barrett said Stuart had brought a new level of pride to playing for the national team and the incoming coach would have massive shoes to fill when they take over next year.

The Australian Rugby League on Monday officially accepted Stuart's resignation after calling World Cup final referee Ashley Klein a "f...ing cheat" the day after the Kangaroos shock 34-20 loss to New Zealand last month.

Barrett - who will play under Stuart next season at the Sharks - said while his behaviour was unacceptable, it showed how passionate Stuart was about Australia.

"I have spoken to him and I do feel for him," Barrett said.

"He's a guy who's very passionate about his job.

"He'd be the first to admit that he probably did say the wrong thing and he's come out and admitted that.

"But the things he's done for the Australian side, over the last three or four years, the positive things that he's done far outweigh the negatives.

"I think he'll be missed because he was a great coach and the players love playing for him."

Former Australian centre Mal Meninga was the early favourite for the position, but could be ruled out because of his role as Queensland coach.

New Dragons coach Wayne Bennett, who has denied interest in returning to the Australian job, was another name mentioned as a possible successor, as well as NSW coach Craig Bellamy and premiership-winning Manly mentor Des Hasler.

Barrett played for Australia from 1997 to 2005, before signing with English Super League club Wigan.

He returned to the NRL this year when signing to play under Stuart at the Sharks instead of joining his old club St George Illawarra or Canberra, who made a major bid for the 31-year-old playmaker.

While Barrett said he was disappointed for his club coach, it gave Stuart a chance to solely focus on delivering the Sharks a first-ever premiership in 2009.

"Either that or he'll be real cranky and rip right into us, we're not too sure how it will go," Barrett joked.

"But it will be good to have him around more.

"He's on break until after Christmas anyway and he deserves a break and (assistant coach) Shane Flanagan is an excellent coach, so we're in good hands."

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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