Wigan confirm Barrett signing

Wigan Warriors today confirmed the signing of Australian star Trent Barrett. Trent has agreed a three year contract covering 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Commenting on the signing Head Coach Brian Noble said,

"This is a great signing for the club Trent is a world class player with wonderful skills.

"His talent enables him to play anywhere on the field and he can cover both half back positions or even loose forward. Apart from his handling skills he has a great kicking game and tackles hard."

Noble continued,

"When I joined the club the first thing Maurice Lindsay asked me about was Trent Barrett. The club had been in long negotiations with Trent but Maurice wanted my view before the deal was concluded.

"It took me about one second to tell Maurice to get the contract signed. It is a terrific signing and a credit to Wigan that they can attract such star players even when the club is struggling.

"We have a big job on our hands this season but we are planning long term and we are determined to have a competitive side for the Wigan fans."

Trent Barrett said,

"I had a clause in my contract with St George that allowed me to leave before my contract was up but only if I was moving to Super League in England.

"I could not have joined another Australian club. I thought long and hard about the matter but I have always had the ambition to play in England and I wanted to do that whilst I was still in decent form. I did not want to leave it too late.

"Everyone in Australia knows the history of the Wigan club and we all consider it an honour to get the chance to play for such a great club.

"Brian Noble has a good reputation with players and I am looking forward to wearing the Wigan shirt.

"Craig Smith used to play for St George before he left for Wigan and he has told me what a great club it is with a great set of fans."

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Trent Barrett fact file:

DOB: 18 November 1977

Starsign: Scorpio

Place of Birth (city/state): Temora NSW

Height (cm): 182cm

Weight (kg): 93kg

Nickname: Baz

Current Club Stats:

* App 141
* Tries 42
* Goals 0
* Drop Goals 5
* Points 173

Career Stats:

* App 186
* Tries 72
* Goals 0
* Drop Goals 7
* Points 295

Rep Honours:
2000-2002 & 2005 Australia
1997, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005 NSW Origin
2003 NSW Country