UK-bound Barrett rules himself out
of Origin

St George Illawarra captain Trent Barrett has ruled himself out of the State of Origin series after announcing he'll join English club Wigan after the NRL season.

Barrett has played seven times for NSW but says he'll step down from all representative football immediately as part of his agreement to sever his contract with the Dragons. The 28-year-old five-eighth has exercised an option in his contract to leave the NRL for a Super League club despite having two years remaining on his current deal.

The veteran of 142 games for the Dragons, Barrett will join Wigan on a three-year contract.