Manly to allow Trent Barrett to coach in final game of year and avoid paying out his contract
DESPITE seeking legal advice on whether they could fire him early, Manly will avoid a messy court case and allow Trent Barrett to coach the Sea Eagles’ final game of the season.
Sea Eagles
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sea Eagles. Followed categories will be added to My News.
IT will be Baz’s last stand.
Sea Eagles management have softened their stance on Trent Barrett and he will now see out the season by coaching Manly in Sunday’s final round match against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium.
As exclusively revealed in The Daily Telegraph, Manly have sought legal advice on whether to terminate Barrett’s contract following comments in The Sunday Telegraph on the lack of resources at the club.
MONDAY BUNKER: How it all fell apart at Manly
But it is understood the Sea Eagles have been advised to retain Barrett for the final game of the season, fearing any early termination could further complicate an already potentially complex legal minefield in the coach versus club drama.
Legal talks were ongoing throughout Monday as Barrett was back at Manly’s Narrabeen headquarters, preparing his side for the Broncos match. He appeared unconcerned at suggestions he may be facing the sack.
Sea Eagles owner Scott Penn admitted Barrett would survive the week and travel to Brisbane.
But it will be his final game in charge. A settlement — while unpalatable to Manly — appears the only way to avoid a messy court case.
Penn engaged lawyers to discuss the situation on Monday morning.
Their argument is that since Barrett has tendered his resignation, which takes effect in July, that the club would have no obligation to offer a payout.
There was a line of thinking that while inflammatory, Barrett’s comments in The Sunday Telegraph were not considered strong enough for removal.
Manly claimed the comments were “disparaging” and bought the club “into disrepute”.
Sacking Barrett though could impact on Manly’s looming legal battle.
Emotions ran high throughout Manly’s management after Barrett’s story appeared in The Sunday Telegraph.
It comes as speculation mounted that former South Sydney coach Michael Maguire was a key contender for the Manly job.
At this point, it seems Maguire and current assistant coach John Cartwright are the two prime candidates.
Maguire won a premiership at Redfern just four years ago and has told friends he would be interested in coaching at Brookvale.
Cartwright has robust support, both externally and internally, and is considered the early favourite.
The Daily Telegraph emailed another contender, Tim Sheens, in England to gauge his interest in coaching Manly.
“News to me, mate. I’ve got no comment. Tim,” Sheens replied.
Manly’s owners, the Penn family, have started the process of replacing Barrett. The club hope to name a new coach in the next two to three weeks although that may depend on any court case involving Barrett.
Get 3 months free Sport HD + Entertainment on a 12 month plan and watch every game of every round of the 2018 NRL Telstra Premiership on FOX SPORTS. T & Cs apply. SIGN UP NOW >