Berrick Barnes to remain with HSBC Waratahs in 2011
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Monday, 8 March 2010
NSWRU Media Unit
Berrick Barnes will play the first season of the expanded Super 15 competition in Sydney after re-committing to the HSBC Waratahs for another year.
Berrick Barnes gets his nose through the Sharks defence.
Berrick Barnes gets his nose through the Sharks defence. [2010 Super 14 Round 4 - HSBC Waratahs v Sharks; Sydney Football Stadium; 6/3/10]
The Wallaby vice-captain signed a two-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union last season to take him through to the conclusion of Rugby World Cup 2011. His contract with the HSBC Waratahs was signed for 2010 with a one-year option which Barnes has elected to take up.
Barnes, who has scored 47 points in his first four games for the Tahs, says that while other offers remained on the table for 2011, his decision to remain in New South Wales is one he sees as the best for his immediate football future.
"You weigh up everything that's put in front of you and in the end I know it's definitely the right decision to stay at the Tahs," says Barnes. "I'm glad I've now made the call and I don't have to worry about it anymore.
"I've really enjoyed the culture here, thus far. It's been a tough four weeks but I feel as if the squad's moving in the right direction and it's something I feel excited about being a part of for another year.
"NSW definitely has a winning culture and there's a high expectation of success both internally and externally which drives you as a player."
HSBC Waratahs head coach Chris Hickey says Barnes' impact on the squad has been immediate and his recommitment augers well for the future of the team.
"Everyone knows what a quality person Berrick is both on and off the field so it's obvious we're really happy to have him on board again in 2011," says Hickey. "His injury on the Wallaby tour was a real blow for him personally, but it was actually a bonus for us having him in the program much earlier than we expected to.
"As soon as Berrick joined us he slotted into the culture seamlessly and spent a lot of time in the pre-season working with the younger inside backs to help them with their development.
"It's great that he has his future sorted now and can just concentrate on his Rugby."