Barnett’s new team call within 48 hours as FOUR clubs chase Test star... and hot tip bows out

Mitchell Barnett has conceded that he wants to depart the New Zealand Warriors as a premiership winner, as a decision on his future is set to be confirmed within the next 48 hours.

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Granted a release by the Warriors on compassionate grounds to be closer to his family next season, Barnett has continually found himself in the news cycle due to being one of the highest-profile players on the open market.

Although he has represented the NSW Blues during back-to-back State of Origin series, there have been concerns over his long-term health and durability, especially after suffering a ruptured ACL.

However, Barnett doesn’t see it that way.

Instead, the veteran of 177 NRL matches believes he will be an asset to whatever club he ultimately ends up signing with and is confident he will play a leading role in helping mentor the younger forward coming through the ranks.

“My game is not pretty. I do all the small efforts and all the things that people don’t see really well,” Barnett said on Sky Sports’ Ford League Lounge with Shaun Johnson.

“I pride myself on trying to be tough and I just think I’d love to see that continue down through the generations. I’ve had a lot going on outside of my football with my family.

“I won’t dive into any details with that but it has been very tough and I have worked with the club over the situation.

“I have to protect my family. I haven’t revealed any details, but the club knows I’m making the decision as a father and the support from social media has been unreal, even from private DMs.

“It hasn’t been an overnight decision. I will be going back to Australia at the end of the season but I am still here this year and keen to rip in. I want to go out on a high note (at the Warriors).”

According to Code Sports, Barnett is closing in on a deal with the Brisbane Broncos after the club tabled a two-year contract worth nearly $1.5 million ($750,000 a season).

“This guy has come of age since he went over to the Warriors. He has become a real leader and goes after the opposition,” Kieran Foran said on Fox League’s Sunday Ticket over the weekend.

“He is a star front-rower in our game and just his presence on the field I think would work wonders for that Brisbane side (especially with) losing a player like Payne.

“You can see why Brisbane are chasing him, why wouldn’t you? I’m sure there are a number of clubs. It’s going to be interesting to see where he goes.”

However, the Dragons (first reported by foxsports.com.au), Eels and Manly Sea Eagles all still remain in contention as the race for his services heats up.

It is understood that the Newcastle Knights - Barnett’s former club, and an early hot tip - are no longer considered in the running for his signature.

Michael Ennis added, “I don’t think you’ll see any reluctance from clubs to sign him. It’s not just what Barnett brings (on the field), its what he brings Monday to Friday too.”

“He is just such a professional. You can’t put a price on a front-rower that leads by example with his training, with his preparation and what he does for the rest of the group.”

Missing the second-half of last season and the opening two rounds of 2026 with a ruptured ACL injury, Barnett conceded that he is ready to return to the field, effective immediately.

The Warriors previously confirmed that he is expected to be available for selection during the early rounds, while Luke Metcalf will return in Round 7 from the same injury.

“I’m just ready to go. I don’t care what round it is, who it is, I’m ready to go,” the front-rower added.

“I have been ready to go since before Christmas. I have ticked some things off that I needed to do with my knee.

“Watching the boys run out there and do a job on the Roosters has got me amped up.

“Wherever the team needs me to slot in, whether it’s building slowly or going straight into it, I’m ready to go.”

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