Rugby is certainly part infotainment these days so Benji would fill that category but asking him to run the Blues' backline straight off is like asking him to walk across the Tasman to his first training run.
He could be Barrett's apprentice as a way of getting him attuned to the nuances of rugby and aiming up for sevens or whatever else takes his fancy in a change of sport.
The Blues have dallied with too many part-timers or project five-eighths since Carlos Spencer left after 96 games for the franchise.
Some they've looked at have been Orene Ai'i, James Arlidge, Luke McAlister, Tasesa Lavea, Isa Nacewa, Stephen Brett, Nick Evans, Jimmy Gopperth, Michael Hobbs, Piri Weepu, Gareth Anscombe, Chris Noakes and Baden Kerr.
Now there are rising murmurs about Barrett, Marshall, James O'Connor, Matt McGahan and Uncle Tom Cobbleigh.
Barrett is off contract at the Hurricanes and must ask himself whether he would get better tuition from John Kirwan, Mick Byrne, Grant Doorey and Graham Henry at the Blues than he has at the Hurricanes.
Lining up between Weepu and Francis Saili with Charles Piutau in the back field must have more lure than another season in Struggle Street with the Canes.
Barrett's spicy running game, strong tactical kicking and goalkicking, and general awareness of five-eighths play would suit the Blues' attacking instincts.
This is no time for Barrett to be swayed by any feelings of franchise loyalty.
If he comes to the Blues he will find consistent tuition to polish his rugby skills to challenge Aaron Cruden and be ready if Daniel Carter has a stumble or does not return from his sabbatical as sharply as he wants.
