Fuming Barrett hits back after Manly owner’s public attack

Seething departing Manly coach Trent Barrett hints he’s honoured a promise not to discuss his exit, but Manly officials haven’t.

“I have to declined to comment, and tried to do things with a lot of dignity,” said Barrett, hinting after Penn’s scathing attack, he will speak publicly in a few days. Picture: AAP

Trent Barrett’s relationship with Manly hierarchy has reached breaking point after the departing coach hinted senior officials had breached a gentlemen’s agreement not to publicly discuss his future at the Sea Eagles.

Barrett fronted the media this morning in the lead-up to his side’s game against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown Stadium tomorrow night, the result likely to dictate whether they remove themselves from the race for the wooden spoon or remain mired in a dogfight for bottom spot.

Barrett indicated he would release a statement in coming days in relation to his future but made no attempt to hide his disdain for the commentary surrounding his position from chair and owner Scott Penn.

Penn broke his silence in The Australian on Monday and then repeated the dose in following days, insisting the club had always supported Barrett and were disappointed that he had opted to tender his resignation.

“I sat here last week and said I wasn’t going to comment on things that were going on,” Barrett said.

“I want to honour what I said that we wouldn’t make public comment on it until the end of the season. In light of this morning, I will make a statement in due course.

“I was of the understanding … I’ve had to front up to some pretty heavy press conference over the last month about it, and I have to declined to comment, and tried to do things with a lot of dignity.

“It’s tough for me to stand here today and not say anything at all. I have a team in there, I have to prepare them for a footy game tomorrow and that’s what I’ll do.”

Barrett stayed tight-lipped this morning, but made little attempt to hide his disdain for Manly owner Scott Penn taking the spat public. Picture: AAP

Barrett has spent three years at the Sea Eagles but enacted a 12-month notice period in his contract in July. Manly believe Barrett did so because he had another job lined up.

Barrett is yet to publicly discuss the reasons behind his resignation. Asked whether he was disappointed with the suggestion he had not acted in the spirit of the club, Barrett said:

“Anything I say will be controversial today so won’t fall into it. It’s been difficult. Certainly it’s not something you want to go through.

“It’s not just us it’s the club, the players and your family, but as I’ve said, my main focus is I have job to do, looking forward to tomorrow’s game.

“I’ll have a sit down and think about when we do say something. I’m disappointed we didn’t make any public statement for a long time, I’ve had to sit here with cameras in my face for a while, I’ve done that [not comment].

“We just have to get on with it now.”

The Sea Eagles have already begun lining up potential replacements for Barrett — assistant coach John Cartwright is the early frontrunner.

Barrett said he was proud of the players, many of whom have come out and publicly backed their coach. Fullback Tom Trbojevic is among Barrett’s strongest allies and this morning spoke of his admiration for the coach and his methods.

“Players know where I stand with them,” Barrett said.

“I’m very proud of all the blokes I have in that dressing shed. They’re terrific young men. And there are some really good players in there.

“I’m committed to them. My aim is to win the next two games. I know players got my back and I’ve got theirs.”