Trent Barrett says there was never bad blood with Ivan Cleary following Penrith exit

Four years on from his acrimonious exit from the Penrith Panthers, where he was frozen out after signing mid-season to coach rivals Manly, Trent Barrett has opened up on his reported fallout with coach Ivan Cleary.

Trent Barrett says he’s maintained a relationship with Ivan Cleary since leaving the club in 2015. Picture: Brett Costello

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Trent Barrett has declared the reported bad blood between Ivan Cleary and himself is a myth, revealing he always kept the door open for a Penrith return despite being sent on gardening leave in his final days at the club in 2015.

Barrett was beaming about his comeback to the Panthers as an assistant coach, four years after he left the club to coach Manly.

Prior to joining the Sea Eagles four years ago, the former Test and Origin star was forced not to attend Penrith training in his final months following an alleged fallout with Cleary for attempting to poach players.

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Trent Barrett says he’s maintained a relationship with Ivan Cleary since leaving the club in 2015. Picture: Brett Costello

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Barrett is adamant there was no bitterness in his Panthers departure and it’s fate that he has returned to mentor the club’s next generation.

“I never left here on bad terms, contrary to some reports,” Barrett told The Daily Telegraph.

“I always kept a relationship with Ivan all the way through and we talked a fair bit.

“I was also close with Gus Gould when he was still here and we kept in touch.

“You never say never about a return and it is just good to be back – I’m enjoying it.

“But it is funny how things work out.

“The Panthers Academy was only in the planning stages when I left, so it is good to be able to work here again.”

Barrett says his exit in 2015 wasn’t ugly.

Barrett’s three-year stint as head coach at Manly ended in tears with his reputation questioned but he doesn’t regret the move.

He insists the tough times, including his exit with 12 months left on his deal, have only made him a better coach.

Barrett’s happiness was on display working with Penrith’s band of young players.

He lapped up the opportunity to pass on his tips and insights from his years of knowledge and experience at the game’s highest level.

It’s clear - Barrett is back doing what he does best – mentoring emerging talent.

Barrett says he’s thrilled to return to the club. Picture: Brett Costello

“That is probably one thing you miss when you are the head coach is being able to nail the detail in some of your sessions because there is so much going on around the outside,” he said.

“I’ve got a lot more time on my hands looking after one department now as an assistant.

“To have the pure focus on the attack, which is what I like doing, has been refreshing.”

Barrett went out of his way to help young Panthers five-eighth Matt Burton with extra passing and kicking practice after training.

Burton was born and raised in Dubbo, so ‘Baz’ feels a special connection with him as a fellow country product from Temora.

Matt Burton says he’s excited to train under Barrett. Picture: Brett Costello

“Burto has shown in his brief appearances in first grade at the back end of last year that he can play,” he said.

“He is big, he has got really good late footwork, he is strong and he has a good left foot kick, which is real valuable to have in your team.

“He is also a good defender, so he ticks a lot of boxes.”

Burton is equally in awe of Barrett.

“I looked up to him as a kid, so to see him helping us young fellas is really good for our development,” Burton said.

Barrett has only been back at Penrith for three days but is already making a big impact, according to forward Isaah Yeo.

“He is one of those people who walk into a room and everyone turns and listens, so I’m stoked that he is back,” Yeo said.

Originally published as Trent Barrett says there was never bad blood with Ivan Cleary following Penrith exit