Report from: Steven Williams

Trent Barrett [pictured] has been retained as the St George Illawarra skipper for season 2003.

Its understood that coach Nathan Brown told the NSW and Australian five eighth that he could stand down as captain if he wanted to reduce his workload.

Barrett was criticised following fluctuating form in 2002 after he took on the added responsibility of leadership.

"Trent is happy to do it again. I gave him the option but he's happy to stay on," Brown said.

"Towards the end of the year last season, he found some confidence and got better at the job.

Trent Barrett joined Illawarra in 1996 and was first selected for NSW in 1997. He has maintained his spot in the state side every year since. An automatic selection in the 25-man St George Illawarra squad, Barrett had an outstanding 1999 season and was first gained selection for Australia in the same year.

Barrett was briefly named captain of St George Illawarra in 2001 and became full time skipper in 2002.