Shute Shield: Barakat back at Forshaw to make Souths, Souths again
Southern Districts’ prodigal son Joe Barakat is back in charge at Forshaw more than two decades after last coaching at the Shute Shield club.
Barakat’s short lived retirement came to an end when he was asked to help rebuild the Rebels after a tough few years for Sydney’s most southern side.
“Initially I put my hand up to help out in a few specific areas down at Souths but I’ve ended up in charge for next year,” Barakat told Rugby News.
“It’s obviously my club, I haven’t coached here since 2000 but I’ve always kept a close eye on the place and things haven’t been great there for the past few years so I want to be a part of the rebuild.
“When I looked at Souths last year, they ranked last at lineout time and third last in scrums which is so unusual for a Southern Districts’ side.
“Defensively, they were letting in five tries a game and only scoring two.
"Set piece and defence are both areas I’ve spent a bit of time on so it’