“I'd give him a crack”: Why Voss wants Trent Barrett as NSW coach

SEN’s Andrew Voss has thrown his support behind Trent Barrett as a candidate for the vacant NSW Blues coaching job.

NSW are the current State of Origin title holders after defeating Queensland in the 2024 series under coach Michael Maguire. Following Maguire’s appointment as head coach of the Brisbane Broncos, NSW are once again on the search for a head coach.

Voss believes the NSW coaching position cannot be filled by a current NRL head coach and thinks Barrett has the pedigree to lead the Blues in the 2025 series.

“I don’t mind the suggestion of Trent Barrett,” Voss declared on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“I reckon this could be the calling of Trent Barrett.

“He’s the current assistant of the Brisbane Broncos but he has played State of Origin.

“I think he could put it all together. I’d give him a crack.”

Barrett has previously been the head coach of the Manly Sea Eagles and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. In 2024, he was elevated as interim head coach of the Parramatta Eels following the dismissal of Brad Arthur.

Barrett’s coaching record across all three roles is 38 wins and 83 losses for a win percentage of 31%.

SEN’s Greg Alexander still believes the race for the NSW coaching position has no shortage of suitors.

“Barrett has been a first grade coach (and) has been a long time assistant coach,” Alexander said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“The NSW coaching job is wide open at the moment. I really don’t think (a senior head coach) will take the job.”