Rugby: Jordie Barrett grateful for run as All Blacks’ Jack of all trades after settling on midfield spot
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All Black Barrett grateful for run as Jack of all trades before midfield switch
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While being a “Jack of all trades, master of none” is a tag few players relish in sport, All Blacks and Hurricanes utility back Jordie Barrett takes it in his stride.
Since his debut in 2017, few have filled more roles for the All Blacks than the youngest Barrett brother.
At the start of 2023, halfback and centre are the only backline positions the 26-year-old is yet to fill for the All Blacks, wearing nearly every jersey from No.10-15.
Meanwhile, Barrett has been the Hurricanes’ first-choice fullback for most of his Super Rugby career, before moving to second-five, as well as playing centre for Canterbury in his early NPC days under Scott Robertson.
A switch from fullback to midfield in 2022 appears to have been the making of Barrett at test level, putting his hand up as Ian Foster’s go-to at No.12, as the All Blacks build towards this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.
A dearth of quality youngsters at the Hurricanes has also Barrett locked in as a midfielder during Super Rugby Pacific.
While most players need continuity in one position to learn their place at the highest level, Barrett doesn’t see things that way.
In fact, being used in positions as varied as first-five and wing has shown him exactly what’s needed as a player and as a teammate.
“It certainly helps, [having] continuity,” Barrett told Newshub. “But looking back over the years, I wouldn’t be the player I am now if I didn’t learn what it takes to make another position.
“Even stints at wing and a couple of early stints at centre for the Hurricanes, a lot at 15… it helps you understand what others need out of you in various positions.
“Then, when you get thrust into that position, you understand what it takes in that position as well.
“It’s great when you can go and feedback other players, and get their feedback as well and bounce ideas off each other. You can get the best out of others in your team as well.”
But just because the No.12 jersey now seems his, Barrett hasn’t given up on playing elsewhere – far from it. Most of Barrett’s appearances for the All Blacks and Hurricanes have been at fullback, and he’s open to returning there, when called upon.
“I enjoy 15 as well,” he added. “I’m not closing that fullback book.
“If I’m needed to be called upon for the Hurricanes or All Blacks down the track, I’m open to that.
“I know it sounds cliche, but anywhere on the park is great. Having the opportunity to play 12 – a position I played a lot as a kid – was great last year.
“I can build off what I did last year, but I’m not going to settle there. I’ve got to keep growing my game and evolving, as everyone else will be also.
“I just want to keep getting better every week.”