Reds forced to wait on Barnes
The Queensland Reds are set to endure a nervous wait, with key playmaker Berrick Barnes not expected to make a decision about his Super 14 future for at least a fortnight.
While the Reds, Barnes and his management insist all is on track for the inspirational Wallaby centre to lock in a new deal at Ballymore, every day that ticks by will be cause for sweaty palms at a Queensland franchise desperate to keep him on the books.
With ex-contract negotiator Ben Whitaker offloaded, along with forwards coach Mark Bell, as part of coach Phil Mooney's restructure, Reds chief executive Ken Freer is now pinch-hitting in terms of the contractual process.
Freer met with Barnes' Brisbane-based management team yesterday, but with the player himself busy focusing on this week's Test against France, and a number of issues still to resolve, any decision looks to be at least two weeks away.
Barnes, along with veteran hooker Sean Hardman, had been holding off signing until Mooney's end-of-season review was completed. With that process effectively over, the clock is ticking for the Reds to get Barnes over the line.
"I think Berrick's always said he's a Queenslander and wants to play for Queensland. But he wants to be sure things are being addressed," Mooney said.
"A player of his standing, you are dealing with the ARU as well. It's not something you can do overnight. There's a few loose ends to tie up."
It has been assumed that the return of Barnes is little more than a fait accompli, especially after Wallaby teammate and Reds captain James Horwill inked his name on a new deal last month.
But it may not be that simple. While Horwill has taken the leap, Barnes, Digby Ioane and Hardman are still waiting on top of the cliff before taking the plunge.
Barnes is as Queensland as Wally Lewis drinking a tinnie of XXXX on top of the Big Pineapple but he is highly motivated and craves success, which has evaded him through four barren years at Ballymore.
He told brisbanetimes.com.au last month that he would have left the franchise if his contract had expired at the end of last season, such was the frustration after another year of hard knocks.
Mooney, surprisingly, wasn't shocked by that frank admission, saying it was a natural reaction of a kid who leaves everything on the paddock and has seen precious little in terms of rewards.
"Berrick's a young guy who wants success. He works extremely hard for it. I think we all want that now and it's a case of trying to align it all and make sure we do," Mooney said.
"I'm not surprised at all that he said that. It shows his determination to get it right.
"Of the four years he's been here, things were positive for the first half of the year then we had injuries and our form became inconsistent. I think we are laying a foundation but we have to get better across the board."
Losing Ioane, who would have been a Wallaby walk-up if not for injury, would be a severe blow for Queensland but farewelling Barnes would be an unmitigated disaster.
He has quickly become a vocal leader on the training paddock and the playing field and his presence, along with that of Horwill, is crucial if the Reds are to become Super 14 threats.
While the wait may be further testing the patience of Reds fans overdue for some good news, Mooney believes the outcome of this deal will be positive.
"We're a long way down the track towards retaining him. I think it's fair to say that," Mooney said.
http://www.rugbyheaven.com.au/news/n...522872029.html
Wonder if we will just see a 1+1 contract...?