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'Always a danger': Canes coach reacts to Jordie Barrett's Storm session
Hurricanes coach Jason Holland has dismissed any chance of a possible code switch for Jordie Barrett, saying the All Blacks midfielder still has “a lot more to do in union.”
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The New Zealand Rugby rumour mill was sent into overdrive earlier this week after Barrett was photographed alongside legendary coach Craig Bellamy at a Melbourne Storm training session.
Barrett – who was wearing a Storm training kit as well – is currently contracted with NZR through to the end of the 2025 season.
But the photograph still raised some questions – why was he in Melbourne?
Barrett is unavailable for the Hurricanes’ trip to Auckland in Round Five due to the All Blacks’ resting policy.
According to the policy, All Blacks are unable to play five matches on the bounce – Barrett has played a key role in all four of the Canes’ matches so far this season.
It’s time for a break.
Coach Jason Holland explained that Barrett is “not doing much training” this week, but has travelled across the ditch to learn from some of the best sporting organisations in the southern hemisphere.
“There’s always a danger,” Holland quipped. “But Jordie’s got a lot more to do in union in New Zealand yet.
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“It’s great for a player to have a PD (personal development) week. He’s gone over, he’s not doing much training.
“He was at Richmond for a day, just picking up a few things around kick and catch, which is obviously vital for Jordie, doing a bit of watching and a bit of kicking, seeing what he can get out of that.
“He’s not doing much with the Storm, but taking in a different environment. Obviously, there’s a pretty special coach there.
“The things he can learn and come back and enlighten me on are going to be great as well.
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“It’s a great way for them to spend their week.”
The Hurricanes started their season with promising wins over the Reds and Rebels in Australia, but were handed an early season wakeup call by the Blues in Round Three.
After going down to the Blues in a thriller at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, the men from the capital bounced back with a convincing win over the Waratahs last Friday.
The Hurricanes, who are currently third on the ladder, will travel to Auckland to play Moana Pasifika at Mt Smart Stadium in Round Five.
Without Jordie Barrett, the Canes will look to continue their strong start to the season against their winless opponents.
That match kicks-off at 7:05pm NZT on Saturday.
