The Hurricanes have revealed that they have allowed Jordie Barrett to go to Australia after their star utility back was seen at training with NRL club Melbourne Storm this week.
Due to New Zealand Rugby’s rest protocols, where players are not allowed to play more than five games in a row, the All Black will not be in action when the Hurricanes face Moana Pasifika in their Super Rugby Pacific encounter in Auckland on Saturday.
Kept himself busy
Most All Blacks use their rest period to go on holiday, but Barrett has kept himself busy during his time in Melbourne by training with clubs from two rival codes – the Storm and Richmond AFL clubs.
On Tuesday, the 26-year-old was pictured training with the Storm, and on Thursday images appeared on social media of him having a conversation with the NRL club’s legendary coach Craig Bellamy.
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Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland stressed that he is aware of Barrett’s activities in Melbourne and feels it’s a good thing for the player.
“It’s great for a player to have a PD [personal development] week,” he told Stuff.
“He’s gone over and he’s not doing much training. He was at Richmond for a day and picking up a few things around kick and catch, which is vital for Jordie, and doing a bit of watching and a bit of kicking and seeing what he can get out of it.
“He hasn’t been doing much with the Storm either, just taking in a different environment, and they have a pretty special coach there so the things he can learn and come back and enlighten me on are going to be great as well.
“I reckon it’s a great way to spend their week and I have no doubt he’s going to be playing a little bit of golf over there as well. It’s a bit of PD and a bit of relaxing.”
No concerns
Holland said he is not concerned about Barrett making a code switch.
“Jordie has got a lot more to do in union in New Zealand yet,” he said.
“Those things are healthy. If we get too insular and just look inside our own sport and environment then you’re not going forward so I think it’s a really positive thing.”