After missing out on the NSW State of Origin coaching gig Trent Barrett will coach Country Origin next year.
The former St George Illawarra and Cronulla playmaker was appointed on Wednesday after a Country Rugby League board meeting.
Barrett was a leading contender for the NSW coaching role vacated by new Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart, before the job was given to Laurie Daley.
CRL chief executive Terry Quinn said Barrett was a coach on the rise.
“Trent may lack experience but we feel he has a lot of ability and will be a great asset to us,” Quinn said.
“He has been involved with NSW and Country Origin with Laurie Daley and that has been a great thing for him.
“He relates to the players well and will have a good support cast around him.”
Quinn said former NSW pivot Barrett would be involved in a number of aspects of country rugby league.
“He will be involved with our country academy and I know that’s something he is looking forward to,” he said.
Barrett succeeds Daley as the Country Origin coach. Appointments are made on a year by year basis.