Beauden keen to welcome ‘Bub’ to Hurricanes
Other than the number on their backs, spotting the difference between the Barretts could be a game within a game at the Hurricanes next year.
Beauden and Jordie’s combined influence is sure to be significant – and the brothers could yet be stationed next to each other in the backline.
Six years separate Beauden, 25, and Jordie, 19, but the pair have an uncanny resemblance.
‘‘Yeah, I get quite a bit of stick. It’s been that way all our lives,’’ Beauden said of their similar looks.
Beauden has fond memories of childhood battles in Taranaki, and he couldn’t be happier those will now play out at the Hurricanes.
‘‘Bub we call him; he’s always been the youngest boy in the family who has always tried to play with the older brothers,’’ Beauden said.
‘‘He kicked the ball around with us and was probably forced to develop quicker than normal whether it be playing backyard footy or cricket.
‘‘There’s been some very competitive moments and plenty of tears on the back lawn. It’s cool to see him grow up. He’s a big boy now and he’s creating his own pathway.’’
Beauden didn’t need to put much pressure on Jordie to make the switch from Canterbury, who he helped kick to Ranfurly Shield success in Hamilton on Wednesday night. But fellow brother Scott couldn’t be pried away from learning his trade under All Blacks lineout aces Kieran Read, Sam Whitelock and Luke Romano at the Crusaders just yet.
‘‘It’s special to have a brother playing in the same team as you. Watching him develop is pretty exciting. I enjoy watching him play and play well and I know he has a lot of potential so I’m looking forward to helping him in any way I can.’’
The question now is where will the versatile Jordie feature for the Hurricanes? He’s made an immedi- ate impression in his debut provincial season with Canterbury at fullback, and with the Canes losing James Marshall and Jason Woodward to overseas clubs that seems a likely starting point.
Then again, coach Chris Boyd also has holes to fill in midfield after the departure of Willis Halaholo to Cardiff. With Cory Jane and Nehe Milner-Skudder more than capable of slotting in at fullback, Jordie could find himself in his favoured second five-eighth role. His sporting hero is Conrad Smith, after all.
‘‘I think he’s a handy 12 but I do enjoy seeing him play fullback because of the skillset he has. He’s also a young player so he’s learning a bit and it’s good to do that from the back and observe.’’
One thing is certain; Beauden won’t be offering his younger brother a room in Wellington.
‘‘Nah, I told him ‘you go flatting’. That’s what young guys need to do to learn to cook, and hang out with mates. That’s what I did when I first started professional footy. You have a lot of fun so it’s getting that balance right.’’