http://www.penrithpanthers.com.au/news/2014/08/21/one_on_one_with_trent_barrett.html
On an individual level, despite having been assistant coach at club and origin level as well as head coach of the Country Origin team, this year saw Barrett take on his first full time head coaching role and he says it has been both fun and challenging
“It’s been good fun. I’ve been wanting to do it for a while now but the most important thing is that you’re prepared and you put the work in”.
As NYC coach, Barrett has also had the chance to coach some of the clubs brightest youngsters and he says it’s a very rewarding opportunity
“In this position you get a big kick out of players getting better and also reaching higher levels which makes the job even more fun”.
Helping Coach Barrett throughout the year has been his assistant, the recently retired Cameron Ciraldo who Trent says has been of great assistance to himself and the team
“He is very smart and very thorough, with a great work ethic and the fact we get along so well is important in that we can bounce ideas of each other”.
As well as guiding the clubs NYC team throughout this season, Barrett has also played a part in the success of the NRL team with his role as assistant coach. Whilst this is sometimes difficult, especially on game days, Barrett says it is an aspect that he enjoys
“Especially after a loss, it’s important that I wipe that and turn my attention to the NRL boys. It can lead to some long days and can be emotionally draining as you are riding your emotions for around six hours but it’s something I enjoy and its good fun”.
Watching the NYC team throughout the 2014 season, fun is something that Barrett looks to have instilled in the players, and hopefully their enthusiasm and energy in games can continue for weeks to come as it gets down to the business end of the competition.