The Wigan chairman told a fans' forum in July that the half-back's focus was 'not there' a week after Warriors had been humiliated 34-4 at home to Huddersfield.

But at a presentation ceremony at the JJB Stadium last night, Lenagan handed Barrett a special personal award and thanked him for his efforts in helping take Warriors to within 80 minutes of the 2008 Grand Final.
Lenagan said: "Trent and I had awful words after that fans' forum, but I admired and respected him for making his point.

"I respected him even more for the way he has led the team, especially in the last three games when the side has played magnificently.

"We are desperately sorry to be losing him next year."

Barrett said: "I'll never forget the two years I've had at Wigan – and if we can beat Leeds and get to Old Trafford, I certainly won't forget them either."

Meanwhile, Pat Richards is Wigan's player of the year.
The in-form Australian was handed the accolade at the inaugural Warriors awards dinner held at the JJB last night.

And Richards immediately revealed his resolve to lift another glittering prize in 10 days' time – the Grand Final winner's rostrum at Old Trafford.

Richards – who won the NRL Grand Final Down Under with Wests Tigers the year before he joined Warriors – said there was a mood of determination to get past Leeds at Headingley on Friday and kick-on to the end-of-season showdown.

Richards said: "This is a great honour for me, but I couldn't have won it without all the help from the boys.

"The game is all about the team effort and hopefully it will be that same team effort that will get us to Old Trafford."

The players' player of the year was centre George Carmont in his first season at the club, while another overseas player of longer standing – Kiwi Iafeta Paleaaesina – received a community award.

The young player of the year was former Wigan St Patrick's amateur Joel Tomkins, while the try of the season was winger Liam Colbon's effort against Warrington at the JJB in May .

The clubman of year was marketing director Simon Collinson, while the Under-18s and reserve players of the year were Chris Gerard and Sam Tomkins.
The presentations were made by Shaun Wane, Brian Noble, performance director Joe Lydon and Lenagan.