Trent Barrett is poised to make a dramatic mid-season switch from the Penrith Panthers to join the Manly Sea Eagles as assistant to beleaguered coach Geoff Toovey.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The news of Barrett's potential arrival at Brookvale could have ramifications on the future of departing star halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, who has signed a much publicised multi-million dollar four-year deal with the Gold Coast Titans, but has until round 13 to change his mind.
Fairfax Media understands the Sea Eagles have been in negotiations with Barrett for almost two months and are close to finalising a deal that would see the former Test five-eighth join the club as early as next month.
While Toovey still has another year to run on his contract at Manly, it is understood Barrett is being groomed to take over, possibly as early as next year if the struggling Sea Eagles fail to turn their season around.
The Sea Eagles have been working overtime trying to entice Cherry-Evans to stay at Manly and it is believed a new coach may help the club's cause.
While the Sea Eagles have moved swiftly to bolster their forward pack by signing international front rower Nate Myles for next year, it has also been noted that the Queenslander is close friends with Cherry-Evans and could be vital in convincing the halfback to stay in Sydney.
Fairfax Media understands that Cherry-Evans is keen to play behind an imposing forward pack, which is why he was initially keen to link with the Titans.
To that end, it is believed the Sea Eagles are interested in luring his former teammate Darcy Lussick back to the northern beaches from Parramatta to bolster their forward stocks and also provide Cherry-Evans with further incentive to renege on his lucrative deal with the TItans.
Barrett, who is regarded as one of the best young coaches in the game, had been promoted from Penrith's Holden Cup coach to Ivan Cleary's assistant this season.
The potential move coincides with the return of immortal Bob Fulton, who also has a strong relationship with Barrett during their time together at representative level.
Barrett had previously been linked to the North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers head coaching positions.
Cherry-Evans, who has reportedly invested in real estate on the Gold Coast, has failed to silence the speculation about a potential backflip on his Titans deal.
Last week he told Fox Sports: "I guess it would be a curious situation to see what does eventuate if (Manly) do offer something".
"There is still two weeks left, so two more weeks of speculation. There is a rule in place which gives Manly every opportunity to do what they have to retain me.
"With the decision, I have nothing to change at the moment. I'm happy with my decision to go to the Gold Coast, and as we know there is a rule in place which allows Manly to have a go at retaining me."
