Barnes to remain a Waratah for another season

By AAP, 8 Mar 2010 AAP is a Roar Pro

Tagged:: Berrick Barnes, Rugby Union, Super 15, Super Rugby, Waratahs

Related coverage

Wallabies five-eighth Berrick Barnes will play the first season of the expanded Super 15 competition in Sydney after recommitting to the NSW Waratahs for another year.

Barnes signed a two-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union last season to take him through to the conclusion of the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand.

His contract bringing him to the Waratahs for 2010 included a one-year option, which the Queenslander has elected to take up.

“You weigh up everything that’s put in front of you and in the end I know it’s definitely the right decision to stay at the Tahs,” the classy playmaker said.

“I’m glad I’ve now made the call and I don’t have to worry about it anymore.

“I’ve really enjoyed the culture here, thus far. It’s been a tough four weeks but I feel as if the squad is moving in the right direction and it is something I feel excited about being a part of for another year.

“New South Wales definitely has a winning culture and there’s a high expectation of success both internally and externally, which drives you as a player.”

Barnes had been a prime recruiting target for the new Melbourne Rebels franchise which joins the competition next year but they said they withdrew because he only wanted to do one-season deal.

Waratahs coach Chris Hickey said Barnes’ impact on the squad had been immediate and his recommitment augurs well for the future of the team.

“Everyone knows what a quality person Berrick is both on and off the field so it’s obvious we’re really happy to have him on board again in 2011,” Hickey said.

“As soon as Berrick joined us, he slotted into the culture seamlessly and spent a lot of time in the pre-season working with the younger inside backs to help them with their development.

“It’s great that he has his future sorted now and can just concentrate on his rugby.”

Enjoy sports? Enjoy a bargain? All Sports Online has your favourite sporting brands at up to 70% off. Online only, premium quality sporting goods and merchandise at discounted prices. Get a deal now.

The Crowd Says (6) | Page 1 of Comments

Tom said | March 8th 2010 @ 4:44pm | Report comment

What’s he playing at with a one year deal? A return to league post world cup?

Reply
tarpo said | March 8th 2010 @ 4:53pm | Report comment

Don’t think they would pay him enough.
Barnes likes to see & experience the world, & could earn a bucket load of $ for a couple of years in Europe, come back at the ripe old age of 27 & have another crack at a RWC if so inclined.

Reply
Nashi said | March 8th 2010 @ 5:05pm | Report comment

If the tahs were a winning team instead of just a “winning culture” maybe he would have committed for longer. If I was him I’d be taking it one year at a time too……

Reply
Brett McKay said | March 8th 2010 @ 5:14pm | Report comment

Guys, it could well just be a case of picking a team for next season. He’s hardly going to the sign with a team for three years from next year when his ARU deal ends after the RWC anyway. He’ll be going through all this again this time next year again…

Reply
johnny-boy said | March 9th 2010 @ 9:25am | Report comment

He sure is a sucker for punishment

Reply
inthestands said | March 10th 2010 @ 10:01pm | Report comment

Remember, last year he signed a two-year deal with the ARU, but only a one-year at NSW. Clearly, he was going to go to an Oz side in 2011, so the options would have been:
* if homesick, go back to QLD
* head to Melbourne after a transition year in Sydney, or
* be happy at Tahs and stay put in NSW.

Perth or Canberra wouldn’t have been on the radar.

Reply