“The most under-rated and under-trumpeted signing who could turn out to be a real asset is Warrington's Richie Barnett. He was unlucky to get bombed out by Hull and didn't quite fit in at Widnes during his loan spell, but the lad has got loads of ability. He's a great finisher, as we saw with his try against Hull, and he is incredibly safe under the high ball”. (Woods, 2006, BBC).
Richie Barnett has developed into one of Rugby Leagues most feared player, the lighting-quick winger has a second to none strike rate in Super League, with the best average gain per carry in the Wolves squad in 2006. His early days were spent playing semi-professionally at Gateshead Thunder, however during this period Barnett was also studying Business Computing at Leeds Metropolitan University. Playing rugby for the university he was pivotal to their success, guiding Leeds Met to numerous cup and league triumphs. His scoring was ever present during this period as he was top scorer for 2 out of the 3 years he was at the university. Richie also had the honor of representing Great Britain students which paved the way for Gateshead Thunder to take him on. Barnett was sold to Hull FC in 2004 who paid an appearance-linked deal worth £15,000, he proved his worth by scoring 23 tries in just 25 starts, making him one of Super Leagues top scorers, along the way he also picked up a Challenge Cup winners medal with Hull. He joined Warrignton Wolves in 2005 and became one of the most consistent try scorers for the club.
Richie joined Salford Reds in July 2007 and having developed into a first team regular, there is more to come from this talented winger. link title