Trent Barrett has made a stunning return to coaching after agreeing on a deal to move back to Penrith as an assistant to Ivan Cleary from 2020.
Barrett infamously had a falling out with the Panthers coach in 2015 after signing for the lead job at Manly for three seasons, with the fallout between the two revolving around the poaching of Panther players.
With a few months still remaining on his contract as an assistant at Penrith, Barrett was told not to return to training by Cleary following the disruption.
Since Barrett's tenure with the Sea Eagles, he and Cleary have shown their forgiveness, with the Panthers coach suggesting the club welcomes back the former St George Illawarra captain.
Barrett will work alongside assistant Cameron Ciraldo as the pair work on the development of the clubs young halves and back to bolster their offense.
Barrett will face a tolling introduction to the role, as the Panthers lose experienced half James Maloney to Super League outfit Catalans Dragons.
Barrett's last role with the Panthers included a heavy involvement with the club's halves academy, producing the likes of Nathan Cleary, Tyrone May and Jarome Luai.
The Panthers' attack has fallen under immense criticism in Cleary's return season to the club, ranking as the worst between the top eight sides.
Penrith rank as the fourth-worst attacking side this year, despite having a number of Origin-standard halves within their squad.
Barrett's return to the Panthers comes several weeks after his contract with Manly expired, having been paid out by the Sea Eagles after resigning from his post at the end of last season.
Beware Panthers. Things will start off nicely and then he will start making outrageous requests for stuff like a chair or desk.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Even though he hasn’t been there for the last few seasons, he would like to take full credit for Penriths good form lately.
Disillusional twot.
Just like that fraud Hasler?? Taking credit for a team Barrett built for the time he put into the juniors & lower grade players who des doesnโt believe are worth investing in but is now reaping the benefits of
Crazygirl
All that shows even if true, just how bad Barrett was, cause as you say des inherited this squad and has them 4th
Unlike Barrettโs 15th
Barrett taking credit absolutely just showed how out of touch with reality he is…
Bobby fullofcrap Hasler has gotten lucky with injury this year compared to Barrett & timing he inherited this team when it was ready the young players have come through done brilliantly added to the players Barrett brought in
Plz donโt forget some players at manly were either rejected or moved by des while he was coaching the dogs so heโs eating humble pie now.
Martin Taupau moved on
Lloyd perrett moved on (not that great)
AFB rejected after being released by dragons
Other notable mentions
Dale fenuican
Latrell Mitchell
Cameron Munster thank god he wouldnโt be the player he is today if des coached him.
Then signing Aaron woods instead of Tedesco well done ๐๐ป
So much for becoming Mary’s assistant at the Red V in 2020.
Thatโs hilarious des getting lucky with injuries, you are a fool…
Your embarrassing yourself
Very good screamingeagle . Had to laugh at that.
No buddy u embarrass yourself Tom turbo being out was the only hiccup this year along with api so plz settle down princess!!
Itโs the story of des coaching career inherited a team from bob Fulton looked like a master coach destroyed it after leaving, inherited a great team at the dogs destroying it after a few yrs now heโs back at many inheriting another team but hey he made the 8 so typical sea eagles fans have gone blind if he didnโt would be asking for his head. lucky this time round the penn family said he has nothing to do with recruitment or contracts smart move or it back to back ended contracts on a wooden spoon for the future