The Warriors have bolstered their pack for 2023 with the signing of Newcastle back-rower Mitchell Barnett on a three-year contract.
Barnett, who is out until Round 10 after getting a six-week ban for his elbow to the jaw of Panthers forward Chris Smith, has made 117 appearances at NRL level in his eight-season career which began at Canberra for a year before he joined the Knights.
The Warriors, who have also signed Eels second-rower Marata Niukore, Manly veteran Dylan Walker and Sharks halfback Luke Metcalf for next season, believes he can become a representative player at the Warriors, where he will reunite with his former Newcastle coach Nathan Brown.
“The Warriors presented me with an opportunity to further my game,” he said.
“I have personal goals of playing representative football and I am also looking forward to working with Brownie again. The Warriors impressed me on and off the field which made my decision easier.”
The Knights also issued a statement to say Barnett had been given a release early despite having a remaining year on his current contract and the club offering an extension into 2024. “Both parties have agreed that the decision to accept the other offer is the right decision for Mitch, his wife Clare and newborn son Nate.”
| Date of birth | April 15, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Wingham, NSW |
| Junior club | Wingham Tigers |
| Position | Second row/prop |
| Height | 187cm |
| Weight | 104kg |
| Current club | Newcastle (2016-2022) |
| Previous clubs | Canberra (2015) |
| NRL debut | Newcastle v Wests Tigers, GIO Stadium, Canberra, August 10, 2015 (Rd 22) |
| NRL career | 117 appearances (2015-2022) |
| Canberra: 2 appearances (2015) | |
| Newcastle: 115 appearances (2016-2022) | |
| NRL points | 112 (20 tries, 16 goals) |
Dutski
Roar Guru
Jealousy’s a curse bro
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
"it could be the hardest team in the league… to like" I wouldn't be too concerned, Dustki. That title will always belong to the Roosters. It used to be Manly's, now it's yours. Enjoy! :laughing:
Albo
Roar Rookie
Maybe the hardest pack to keep in tact on the field each week, as well ? But if they can keep their noses clean, they could be a hell of a pack of forwards !
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Dont listen to them, Barnyard. You take the cash (not sure of the exchange rate right now) and rip in at the Warriors. You can thump as many Roosters, Storm and Dragons players as you like. If you cop a few weeks on the pine for a stray elbow/knee/boot/earlobe then your job as enforcer is done
Dutski
Roar Guru
You want a spoon with that?
Nat
Roar Guru
There would want to be plenty of X-Box controllers to go around…
Dutski
Roar Guru
Barnett joins Lodge, AFB, Walker... although at least his thuggery was on the pitch. Not sure what they’re aiming at but it could be the hardest team in the league... to like