Wigan move
more likely for Barrett

The appointment of Great Britain mentor Brian Noble as Wigan coach has made it more likely for St George Illawarra skipper Trent Barrett to make the 2006 N-R-L season his last and relocate to England.

Barrett's manager Wayne Beavis has hinted that only Wigan's relegation will stop his charge from linking with the English Super League club which last night (AEST) unveiled Noble as its 10th coach in as many years.

The Dragons playmaker is under contract with St George Illawarra until the end of next season but has a clause which allows him to link with a Super League club next season. Beavis says he is talking to a total of three Super League clubs as well as the Dragons but admitted Noble's appointment at Wigan until 2008 sweetened the deal to lure Barrett to the Warriors.

The Dragons are sweating on an answer from Barrett so they'll know how much to offer rugby target Mark Gasnier next year.