Penrith coach Ivan Cleary has no idea how long assistant Trent Barrett will be away from the Panthers as he sorts out his future, with the former NSW State of Origin star linked to the head coaching role at NRL rivals Manly.
Barrett, who is believed to be close to signing a deal to take over from Geoff Toovey at the Sea Eagles next year, was asked not to return to Panthers’ training until he finalised talks with Manly.
“I honestly don’t know what’s happened. I’m not going to stand here and say there’s nothing going on, because we all know there is, that’s why you’re all here,” Cleary said.
“It’s just a distraction for everybody. It’s not the Penrith Panthers’ issue.”
When asked how long Barrett would be away, Cleary said he had “no idea.”
up in the north
Roar Rookie
Usually I am a big believer in the motto that the coach is to blame. Not in this case though.
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Keeps him away from the Dragons thankfully.
Don
Roar Rookie
Thank you for saying it EJ. I'm no Manly fan but Toovey is clearly on the wrong end of a PR campaign pushing Barrett as a topline coach. What has he done as a coach? A few Country Origin games and now an Assistant to a guy who hasn't won a premiership and whose side is sitting with more losses than wins so far this season. The great Gus has endorsed him though and to many media hacks that is equal to proof of ability. Unless Toovey is "off" with the troops?
AJohnnyball
Guest
Cheaper coach for saving bucks.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Nothing against Barrett as a person, but is Club management truly going to knife a club legend for an absolute nobody of a coach? Tooves has performed well making the Top 4 each year he has coached. And was unlucky not to win the 2013 premiership. 2015 is a little different, but the guy deserves to be treated with respect. Pretty tough period to coach with so many back-ended contracts meaning the salary cap was bursting at the seams. Has management not learnt a thing from the Glenn Stewart fiasco?