Parramatta have won a cross-code battle for the signature of Blaise Barnes, nabbing the schoolboy rugby sensation on a two-year deal.
The Eels beat local and overseas rugby clubs, as well as their NRL rivals, to the services of one of the most sought-after teenage playmakers in years.
Youtube footage of Barnes carving up opposition rugby defences has made him hot property globally among talent scouts. Despite suffering a season-ending ACL injury playing for renowned rugby nursery St Joseph's College in just the second trial match of the season, Barnes chose to follow in the footsteps of his father and switch back to rugby league. Troy Barnes played three first-grade games for one of his son's suitors, South Sydney, but the Eels are very confident his son will surpass that tally in years to come.
"I grew up playing league and wanted to get back into it eventually," Barnes said.
"There were a few offers, but Parramatta are a good club, their under 20s has a good program and there's a good feel around the place. That's why I chose them."
Looking for an edge in their pursuit for Barnes, the Eels invited him as a guest to their last home game against the Dragons. Club officials used the opportunity to introduce Barnes to another schoolboy rugby prodigy, Tepai Moeroa, who is also managed by Runway Sports. The chance to speak to Moeroa about his own transition from the 15-man game to the Parramatta system was a key factor in Barnes' decision.
"I've watched a lot of his games and it was good to see what his transition was like and what shaped his decision," Barnes said.
"It helped me a lot to feel more comfortable with choosing Parramatta. I'll know someone there and his experience was a help."
St Joseph's Rugby Union player Blaise Barnes (right) and father Troy on left. Photo: Supplied
Barnes' father had to shift overseas for work, resulting in Barnes spending the best part of a decade in Asia.
"I've lived in Asia for almost 10 years," Barnes said.
"We moved from Australia when I was in year 3 and that was the reason I stopped playing league, because they don't offer it in Asia.
"Originally we were in Taiwan for six months, then moved to Hong Kong for three years, then Korea for one, Japan for one and then back to Hong Kong for two and then Malaysia.
"I've moved around a fair bit. It was hard at first, having to move schools all the time, but it's helped me a lot.
"I kind of feel like Asia is my home compared to Sydney. It was good to learn the culture and it helped me to experience different things in life.
"I'm not very good at learning languages; I tried learning Mandarin for five years but am shocking at it.
"It was hard, I couldn't play in the halves [because of the language barrier], I had to play on the wing."
St Joseph's Rugby Union player Blaise Barnes. Photo: Supplied
The Rabbitohs were hopeful Barnes would follow in his father's footsteps and opt for a stint at Redfern. While Troy was happy to provide footballing advice, there was never any pressure to join Souths.
"He helps me a lot with footy," Barnes said.
"He was a lot more talented than a lot of people say he was. He's helped me a lot, it's been good."
Barnes, who is hoping to qualify for a business degree at Macquarie University, has played most of his recent football at fullback. However, the 18-year-old is hopeful of playing in the halves at Parramatta.
"It's a good opportunity at the Eels," he said.
"My first goal is to make the transition as quick as possible to the 20s."
