http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/barrett-a-chance-to-rejoin-dragons/2008/04/04/1207249455715.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1
Meanwhile, Fitzgibbon - who played alongside Barrett in the 1999 grand final loss to Melbourne - has discussed with his Roosters teammates the possibility of hanging up his boots at the end of the season.
"It's a certainty," a highly placed Roosters source said last night.
But the retirement of the former Test and NSW back-rower, who turns 31 in June and is off contract at the end of the season, and the likely decision not to re-sign prop David Shillington, is unlikely to be enough to stop Tupou accepting an astronomical deal to join Manly.
It is understood that Tupou, who has been in sparkling form so far this season, has been offered a $1.6 million deal over four years - the same amount offered to Canberra halfback Todd Carney.
While Sea Eagles officials yesterday believed Tupou was certain to tell them he was staying at Bondi Junction, their Roosters counterparts were preparing for the news he was headed to the northern peninsula.
It is believed Tupou's decision will come down to a meeting with Roosters chairman Nick Politis, who returned this week from overseas and is yet to speak to the 25-year-old.