Trent Barrett says the only good thing about the mutual split between long-serving forward Lance Thompson and St George Illawarra is that their feuding won't spill into the 2006 NRL season.

But Barrett, currently on tour with the Kangaroos as they attempt to defend their Tri Nations title in Great Britain, said he was disappointed by the way the club had handled the Thompson affair.

News of Thompson's departure filtered through to the team's Manchester hotel when they returned from training.

Dragons centres Mark Gassier and Matt Cooper declined to comment but Barrett described the ending to the Thompson saga as "very disappointing".

"I haven's spoken to the club at all but I've been told it (split) was a mutual decision," said the Dragons' ace.

"It's really disappointing. Thommo's been there for a very long time and we're all sorry to see him go.

"The disappointing thing though is the way it all happened. It wasn't handled in the nicest way, it could have been done a lot better.

"But it's probably best it's been done now and not let drag on into the middle of next year."

Barrett, who is hopeful of overcoming a painful foot injury in time to play against Great Britain in Saturday night's crucial Tri Nations clash in Hull, said he would call Thompson in Australia and "wish him all the best in the future".

"It's unfortunate, but we've all just got to get on with things now," Barrett said.

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