Trent Barrett’s days at Manly appear numbered as the Sea Eagles coach apologised for not being able to offer clarity on his future because of legal reasons.
A hamstrung Barrett fronted the media on Thursday for the first time since reports emerged he was set to walk out on the club at the end of the year.
When asked if he’d handed in his resignation with two years remaining on his contract, Barrett said he hadn’t but indicated he was involved in negotiations with the club.
He said the ball remained in his hands when it came to his future.
“For legal reasons I can’t answer those sort of questions today. I would certainly like to be able to,” he said.
“But out of respect for the club I don’t want to sit here and say too much today. I have been told by the club that with the legalities around it all I won’t be commenting on that today.”
When asked whether he’d be at the club next year, Barrett was again unable to offer full comment but hoped all would be sorted by the end of the week.
“Yes, as I stand here today, yes,” he answered.
“But I can’t go into it. I’d like to be able to and I don’t like being out here at 8am when I’ve got nothing to say.
“When the dust settles and we sort things out at our end and the club’s end I’ll be able to talk.”
Barrett admitted to frustrations that he was again being left to answer questions in a dramatic year at the club.
He said he understood fans’ frustration.
Chairman and owner Scott Penn is overseas while chief executive Lyall Gorman has been silent as the club only offered a brief statement on Wednesday without shedding any further light on Barrett’s future.
“The fans wouldn’t be the only ones frustrated,” Barrett said.
“You’d have to ask Lyall and the club (why nothing can be confirmed). I apologise.
“It’s out of my hands to be honest.”
Barrett also said he couldn’t go into his main issues with the club, although it’s understood a clause in last year’s contract extension promised increased support at a football department level.
Manly are yet to land a recruitment manager, while they are also operating without a pathways coach and football director.
The 40-year-old also said he had yet to be approached by rival clubs for next season, and that he had kept his players in the loop ahead of Friday’s clash with the Gold Coast.
Tom G
Guest
After that insipid second half tonight I may unabłe to comment on Barrett's coaching ability. This clown wants us to believe that he needs more money and resources... why? We all see how manifestly incompetent he is. Sad thing is that he possibly has most of the players convinced that they don't get the right level of support too. .... he is partly right.. they have a joke coach
kk
Guest
The Titans under Neil Henry made real progress and were highly competitive and delivered an exciting brand of Rugby League. The hierarchy were apparently pre- occupied with image and drawing power. Enter coach killer Hayne. The hierarchy were captivated by his so called drawing power, conveniently ignoring sub standard performances from the former NFL star. All of a sudden Henry's methods were under question. The coach no longer had friends at court. Exit Henry. I admit to holding Neil Henry in the highest regard. He deserves a chance.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
I couldn't see Neil fitting in at Manly. He is too nice a guy. It is an expectation of the Manly coach to believe in the Manly philosophy of being hard done by and everyone is against us, and that isn't Neil Henry. If he could change that mentality, great, but the old boys would never allow it. Look at Fulton - he is still wielding influence and doing his best George Piggins impersonation, bringing the club down slowly and painfully.
Jaime
Guest
I think he told Jarryd Hayne some home truths... The board decided they'd back the player.. Didn't turn out to well for them.
Albo
Guest
What did Neil Henry do wrong , kk ?
kk
Guest
Good to know your playing on Yards. Manly's injury list warrants a whole ward being dedicated to recovering Sea Eagles. Would love to see Neil Henry get the nod at Brookie.
Edward Kelly
Roar Guru
Why didn't one of those hard hitting NRL journalists ask Barrett to explain why he wasn't allowed to talk. What was the lawyers advice and what did it pertain to. I suspect it was a BS excuse that worked on those hard hitting NRL journalists who seemed to feel sorry for Barrett not being allowed to talk..
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Geez, I've been in bloody hospital with bloody pneumonia. The way Manly have been performing had me wanting to pull the pin last weekend. And now this reprieve from the gods! Light at the end of the tunnel ! Boys I leapt out bed and said ' Thank you ladies, I'll be heading back home to Avalon. Give my regards to the rest of the medical staff, and Go Manly ! ' Finally. Look, he is a good bloke by all accounts and we would all wish him the best for the future. But his time at Manly has been a disaster. Simple things : tackle the man with the ball; pass to the unmarked team mate; run into the gap. All been missing. This has added a good five years to my lifespan. Where's my bowling gear ? Like Manly- I'm back. Prayers really are answered.
Tom G
Guest
The key resource Barrett is lacking is ability.
BA Sports
Roar Guru
I remember a young player who moved to a different club from Manly about a season or two ago commented to me about how far behind Manly were in sports science space compared to his new club. I suspect that is some of the ‘resource’ Trent knows is lacking