With Quade Cooper expected to miss the entire campaign due to a knee injury, Harris is the man to lead the offensive charge for the defending champions.
He'll have the chance to take a sweet revenge at Eden Park in round 10 when the Reds come to Auckland.
Knowing the Blues' history, Harris will play out of his skin.
So many of the men they didn't want have come back to hurt them: Mose Tuiali'i became an All Black the year he left the Blues for the Crusaders, as did Nick Evans when he joined the Highlanders in 2004.
Sione Lauaki was a raging bull in that same year - scoring a famous match-winning try for the Chiefs at Eden Park just four months after being told he wasn't wanted by the Blues.
The list goes on: Rico Gear and Craig Newby were surplus to requirements, yet won All Black caps. Even Daniel Braid played his best rugby during his two-year stint with the Reds.
Barrett is different in that he was wanted by the Blues but turned them down last year - preferring instead to be part of the Hurricanes' wider training squad. It was a big decision for the then 19-year-old.
He didn't think he was ready to back up Stephen Brett and he also wanted to continue studying at Wellington University.
Barrett's Taranaki coach Colin Cooper helped him make up his mind: "There were a number of people who advised him - mainly himself and his parents who are smart people.
"I don't think anyone wanted him to be rushed into the competition and Beauden is such a mature young man, so switched on, that he felt that was the right thing for him.
"His father played for the Hurricanes so I'm not sure how much of a factor that was and Beauden obviously enjoys living in Wellington and being close to Taranaki."
Three games into the 2012 season and it's easy to see why the Blues were so keen.
Barrett has been impressive for the Hurricanes, showing a rare composure under pressure with that priceless ability to find time on the ball.
He kicked a last-minute pressure goal in Johannesburg and bothered the Stormers more than they would admit. In a few weeks, he'll be at Eden Park, making it impossible not to wonder how the respective fortunes of both sides would be entirely different had Barrett been lured north.
The Blues continue to send unclear signals about their intentions at No 10.
For the moment at least, coach Pat Lam's thinking appears to be that he will rotate Michael Hobbs, Piri Weepu and Gareth Anscombe.
The Hurricanes on the other hand have little ambiguity - they are backing Barrett.
Cooper, having had eight seasons at the helm of the franchise, understands why: "Beauden is the closest thing we have to Daniel Carter in this country," he says.
"It is not just his tactical vision and personal values, he can kick off both feet as well, he is brave, he takes space and he's athletic.
"He's also big and could probably support about 100kg on his frame."
Cooper is conscious of building up Barrett too high, too soon.
In his final season with the Hurricanes, Cooper was cautious in his handling of Aaron Cruden - choosing to phase the first five into the side gently. It was only in the final six weeks of the 2010 campaign that Cruden was starting regularly.
Barrett, despite being younger than Cruden in his rookie season, is different.
"I think we do have a tendency to rush young players in this country," says Cooper.
"The jump from ITM Cup or age-grade rugby to Super Rugby is huge. You have to have a tactically aware 10 at Super Rugby who has to be prepared to take control and use his voice - be the lead conductor.
"With Aaron, he was brave but he was also quite small, so we had a duty to protect him there. Beauden is a lot more physical and he's tough. He'll need to be managed a little bit but he's well conditioned to handle Super Rugby."
