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Trent Barrett announced his decision to step down as NSW assistant coach on Tuesday, only hours after Blues legend Tommy Raudonikis bitterly questioned his value to the Blues.
In a fiery interview with Triple M on Tuesday morning, Raudonikis unleashed on Barrett, questioning his abilities as both a player and a coach before turning the blowtorch on NSW head State of Origin coach Laurie Daley.
Only hours later, Penrith posted an interview with Barrett during which the Panthers’ Under-20s coach announced he wouldn’t be part of the Blues set up in 2014.
“I won’t be involved in Origin this year,” Barrett said.
“I’ve had to step down from that which is a shame. I really enjoyed my time with the NSW side but I think the way Laurie wants to run the camp … they’re going to Coffs Harbour for the full week and I won’t be able to commit the time I’d like to.
“I’ve enjoyed my experience there and I have learnt a lot being involved with the Origin side.
“But it’s time I focus all my energy on club footy and get as much experience as I can.”
Incensed by reports he wasn’t invited to a Blues dinner last month because he wasn’t a winning series captain Raudonikis, whose own coaching record is questionable, gave Blues management both barrels.
“I’ll tell you something about Laurie Daley … I think his big nose is getting in the way of a lot of things,” Raudonikis said.
“He’s got to teach NSW how to win. He hasn’t done that.
“NSW are very, very lucky that their supporters haven’t turfed them.
“If your business is going bad, don’t you sack people?
“They’ve got a bloke there … what’s his name? Trent Barrett? He’s the most overrated player. Now, I’m getting a bit nasty here, but why wouldn’t I? That’s the way I am.”
Raudonikis, who once famously claimed his Western Suburbs side didn’t have a game plan, is seen as a hero in some quarters and a sideshow in others.
In 116 matches coaching Wests, the hard-as-nails former Kangaroos halfback managed a winning percentage of 34.
As NSW coach he won three of six matches.
Daley said Raudonikis wasn’t offside with him.
“No one has got an issue with him in terms of a bloke, it’s just that every time Origin rolls around they just cop it,” Daley told News Corp.
“I was trying to do something a little different. I wanted to have the winning captains there.
“It wasn’t a snub of anyone in particular.”
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