Auckland Nines: Trent Barrett kicks off Manly coaching career amid drama, injury and controversy

MANLY’S new era under Trent Barrett has begun. But not without drama, injury and controversy on an action-packed day at the Auckland Nines.

game during the Auckland Nines at Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand. pic Mark Evans

MANLY’S new era under rookie coach Trent Barrett has begun.

But not without drama, injury and controversy.

On an action-packed opening day of the NRL Auckland Nines, the controversial running technique of New Zealand Warriors ­centre Konrad Hurrell claimed another victim when young Manly forward Jake Trbojevic suffered heavy concussion.

Despite beating the Brisbane Broncos and tournament favourites New Zealand in their two pool matches, Barrett was left ruing a suspected fractured jaw to luckless forward Jamie Buhrer and the prospect of chasing the $2.3m prizepool with as little as 14 fit players on Sunday.

With Buhrer (jaw), Trbojevic (concussion) and Jorge Taufua (hamstring) ruled out of Sunday’s final pool match against Canterbury, Manly could also be without centre Nathan Green ­(concussion).

Stating pride in his players for their resilience, particularly against the Warriors, Barrett said he was hoping to draft rookie centre Dylan Kelly into the squad for Taufua, who withdrew before a ball had been kicked, but he was waiting for NRL approval.

“We’ll probably lose three players today, Jamie Buhrer looks like he’s got a broken jaw,’’ Barrett said.

Trent Barrett enjoyed a winning start to his Manly coaching career. Picture: Mark Evans

“Hopefully we can get Dylan cleared because we started with 17 and now we’re down to about 14 or 13. depending on how they pull up tonight

“I wasn’t too focused on the results (ahead of the tournament), I just wanted them to play for each other and turn up for each other and that gives us something to build on.

“That’s probably the most pleasing thing.

“They care about results, it doesn't matter what tournament you play in and whatever happens from here I’m really happy with what I’ve seen the last two games.’’

Barrett held his breath along with the 30,000 fans at Eden Park when Trbojevic required the assistance of six coaching and medical staff before being taken from the field during the second-half of the Sea Eagles win over the Warriors.

Jake Trbojevic was taken from the field after a nasty knock. Picture: Mark Evans

Hurrell was cleared by the NRL match review committee after the match, but they described the incident as a “concerning act” — the second time in 12-months, Hurrell has come under scrutiny after he broke the jaw of Cronulla Sharks’ ­Anthony Tupou.

To the relief of Manly fans Trbojevic was cleared of any serious damage.

“I didn't really have a look at it, but no one means to knock someone out,’’ ­Barrett said.

Manly, Melbourne and Cronulla were the only ­unbeaten sides on the opening day of the Nines while the Sydney Roosters and St George Illawarra failed to win a match.

Tom Trbojevic on the charge for the Sea Eagles.