Manly still wrangling on a role for Barrett

RATHER than outlay a hefty payout, Manly coach Trent Barrett could be made to earn his money next season by being offered an advisory coaching role.

The Townsville Bulletin has been told Manly and Barrett are locked in discussions about whether he would remain at the club in some capacity next season – but not as head coach.

Barrett resigned in July and has a 12- month notice period, Manly resisting offering a payout of about $ 500,000, which they say is “dead money”.

Manly will consider whether Barrett could accept a lesser role and help transition a new coach in at Brookvale.

Privately, the Sea Eagles say if they are going to pay Barrett, he will have to work for his money. Manly will not however demand Barrett stay on.

It is unknown if Barrett would seek an immediate payout if offered a secondary position. Both sides are eyeing the other for breach of contract.

While a strange situation, Barrett could agree to help in the transition of one candidate, John Cartwright, given the pair were head coach and assistant at Manly for three years.

Other coaches in line for the Manly job may, however, decide against starting at a new club with a former coach still on the coaching staff as an adviser. The new coach would be told he only needed to work with Barrett until next July.

It is understood Manly continue to interview Cartwright along with former Souths premiership- winning coach Michael Maguire.

There are also at least two other yet to be revealed candidates. There appears to be no clear favourite. Former Canberra, Gold Coast and North Queensland coach Neil Henry won’t be considered.

A Manly statement issued yesterday said: “The club continues to work with Trent on an ongoing basis to ensure the best possible continuity of business for its football department, its playing group and the club overall.”

The source added: “There are a swag of discussions going on with multiple scenarios. The club won’t put themselves or the players in a difficult position – it will be resolved. There are a lot of moving pieces.”

Manly players return to training on November 5. There were fears that Barrett – not wanting to breach his contract – could return to work if his dispute could not be resolved.

Manly officials say the players will not be placed in the awkward and ridiculous position of having two coaches turn up on the same day.

It is understood the entire situation should be resolved within the next 10 days.

Barrett is on holidays now and did not respond to a text message asking whether he would appear at Manly’s first off- season training session.