Warriors agree to release Barrett

Wigan say they will agree to a request from star player Trent Barrett to be released from the final year of his contract.

Barrett, 30, who was a strong contender for Super League Man of Steel in his first season at the JJB Stadium, is less than halfway through a three-year contract but plans to cut short his stay because his pregnant wife Kylie is homesick.

Wigan chairman Ian Lenagan, who met with Barrett's agent last Friday, told the club's official website: "The outcome of the informal meeting is that Trent will definitely complete this season with Wigan - which was never at issue with Trent - but will almost certainly leave then and not complete his third contracted year."

He added: "The uncertainty arises from the fact that we have not yet received a formal release request from Trent's agent, that discussions on compensation have not yet even started and that changes of mind can sometimes occur in these situations.

"In these particularly genuine circumstances, the Wigan club does not believe that forcing the player to honour his contract would be sensible, since an unsettled player can result in poor performances which are of no benefit to either party."

Barrett's old club St George Illawarra, who will be coached by Wayne Bennett from 2009, head a host of National Rugby League outfits vying for his signature.