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EXCLUSIVE: Mitch Barnett admits he 'wasn't ready' to be a leader in hothead days before Warriors emergence - Nine
<div data-ui-testid="body-content-all"><p>Becoming a leader on and off the footy field isn't something that happens overnight and the perfect example of that is <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/new-zealand-warriors">Warriors</a> co-captain <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...-webster-backs-selection-20240526-p5jgtl.html">Mitch Barnett</a>.</p><p>The 31-year-old has gone through a rather slow burn to get to the position he finds himself in now as both a <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/topic/nsw-blues-1lvd">NSW Blues</a> and <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/topic/kangaroos-25vf">Kangaroos</a> representative, having made his debut at both the State of Origin and international level last year.</p><p>In his early years - which saw him come through the lower grades at the <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/newcastle-knights">Knights</a>, move to and play two games for the Raiders, before moving back to Newcastle - Barnett was always a fiery competitor and there were clearly times he stepped over the line.</p><p><strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/footb...lou-delivers-epic-speech-20250524-p5m1uf.html"><strong>Ange delivers another epic quote at Spurs parade</strong></a></p><p><strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...chlan-galvin-immediately-20250521-p5m0yo.html"><strong>Galvin set to lose millions as two rival offers revealed</strong></a></p><p><strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...-joash-papalii-debut-try-20250523-p5m1tl.html"><strong>Eels debutant dazzles as 'bedraggled' Sea Eagles crumble</strong></a></p><p>Things came to a head three years ago while playing for the Knights, <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...penrith-panthers-updates-20220326-p5iyhn.html">when the enforcer was sent off for an off-the-ball elbow to the head of Panthers forward Chris Smith</a>.</p><p>It resulted in a six-week ban and Barnett this week told <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/bl...hug-act-he-still-regrets-20250520-p5m0n6.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Sydney Morning Herald</a> the act was "thuggish" but was "glad that it happened" at that stage of his career.</p><figure><picture><source media="(min-width: 1124px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8 2x"><source media="(min-width: 1024px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8 2x"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8 2x"><img alt="Mitchell Barnett of the Knights is sent off following his elbow on Chris Smith." src="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8 2x" width="100%"></picture><figcaption><p>Mitch Barnett is sent off during the 2022 season. <cite>Getty</cite></p></figcaption></figure><p>Despite his hotheadedness, Barnett was clearly a quality footballer and during his time with the Knights, managed to play 126 first grade games over seven seasons.</p><p>A switch to the Warriors at the end of 2022 was exactly what the doctor ordered and now Barnett is a representative-level player, a leader of men and a father. </p><p>While it wasn't always easy going, there was one man who tried to get the best out of Barnett from a young age - even if he "wasn't ready" for it at the time.</p><p>Speaking to Wide World of Sports during Origin camp, the hard-nosed prop spoke candidly about his rise from a young firebrand to the inspirational Warriors skipper.</p><p><em><strong>Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and</strong></em> <a href="https://stream.9now.com.au/KDmNCTLBeRb" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><em><strong>9Now</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p><p>"When I was at Newcastle, Nathan Brown saw me as a future leader and sort of fast-tracked me into a bit of a leadership role," Barnett said.</p><p>"I didn't really enjoy it too much and I probably wasn't ready to be a leader - probably more so not being ready, even though my actions on the field said that maybe I was.</p><p>"But since going across to New Zealand, I just didn't think about that stuff at all - I was an open book, I didn't think about anything other than training well and playing well.</p><p>"I wanted to put my best foot forward for them. I have matured a lot on and off the field and now I've fallen into this leadership role.</p><figure><picture><source media="(min-width: 1124px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1 2x"><source media="(min-width: 1024px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1 2x"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1 2x"><img alt="Warriors forward Mitch Barnett." src="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1 2x" width="100%"></picture><figcaption><p>Warriors captain Mitch Barnett. <cite>Getty</cite></p></figcaption></figure><p>"It's something I've taken on head first and I've loved having that responsibility. </p><p>"It's meant a lot [to me]. It wasn't something that I was striving for, but Webby [head coach Andrew Webster] saw something in me and even the growth I've had in that leadership role since taking it over, it's been great for me personally.</p><p>"Fish [James Fisher-Harris] has been really good for me, Kurt Capewell is another one.</p><p>"Our whole group has been really good in coming together and I think you can see that in the results on the field."</p><p><em><strong>Watch the 2025 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and</strong></em> <a href="https://9now.app.link/1QDVFYZrWab" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><em><strong>9Now</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p><p>Barnett's form over the past two years-and-change has been outstanding, even when the Warriors slid down the table in 2024 after a surprising run of results in 2023.</p><p>Last season, Barnett averaged 149 run metres and 32 tackles per game. Those numbers have remained strong this season, with 141 run metres and 36 tackles per game.</p><p>Barnett's own form, coupled with standout performances from the likes of <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...metcalf-try-fan-reaction-20250503-p5lwah.html">Luke Metcalf</a> and Wayde Egan and the rise of young guns like <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...aban-contract-extensions-20250521-p5m11e.html">Leka Halasima</a>, has seen a team many expected to be battling it out for the wooden spoon sitting pretty in the top-four.</p><figure><picture><source media="(min-width: 1124px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f 2x"><source media="(min-width: 1024px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f 2x"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f 2x"><img src="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f 2x" width="100%"></picture><figcaption><p>Mitchell Barnett celebrates for the Warriors. <cite>Getty</cite></p></figcaption></figure><p>"It's been massive, I've been loving footy and we're learning every week," Barnett said.</p><p>"We win games and I don't even know how we win them sometimes.</p><p>"We're finding ways to win and the best part is, it's always something different every week and it presents new challenges for us every week. We just need to keep learning and if we can keep winning while we're learning, I'll keep on enjoying it.</p><p>"We've had a lot of ball in play moments and that sets you up for big games."</p><p>His efforts on the field have culminated in a starting spot for the Blues in next week's Origin opener at Suncorp Stadium, which is never an easy task for any player south of the border with 50,000 screaming Queenslanders awaiting.</p><figure><picture><source media="(min-width: 1124px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1 2x"><source media="(min-width: 1024px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1 2x"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1 2x"><img src="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1 2x" width="100%"></picture><figcaption><p>It's always a hostile environment in Brisbane. <cite>Getty</cite></p></figcaption></figure><p>Barnett will strike a formidable one-two bunch with Broncos behemoth <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/person/payne-haas-267a">Payne Haas</a> and will be trying to replicate the combination he's shared in the past at the Warriors. </p><p>"I feel like with Payne, I look at it a bit like me and Addin Fonua-Blake," he said.</p><p>"They're similar sort of players, even though they have a lot of differences, they're both big strong men who are fit and get through a lot of work.</p><p>"Myself and Addin complemented each other really well at the Warriors, so I'm hoping me and Payne can do something similar in a different arena."</p><p>Haas is the unparalleled best prop in the game and one of the best players, but the combination with Barnett - as well as bench forwards Spencer Leniu and Max King - gives the Blues a tremendous balance in the middle of the park.</p><figure><picture><source media="(min-width: 1124px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb 2x"><source media="(min-width: 1024px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb 2x"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb 2x"><img alt="Spencer Leniu training with NSW." src="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb 2x" width="100%"></picture><figcaption><p>Spencer Leniu is a real tone setter off the bench. <cite>Getty</cite></p></figcaption></figure><p>But as anyone involved in rugby league knows, Origin games aren't won on paper and Barnett isn't taking his position for granted heading into the three-game series.</p><p>"I'm looking forward to that challenge and representing my family and my club on a good note," Barnett said.</p><p>"It doesn't mean too much to me at the moment, because I've still got to go out there and perform well. Hopefully I can do a job for this team and do it for the series.</p><p>"It is awesome though. It still hasn't all really sunk in yet. I'm grateful that I've got the opportunity to be coming back in here and putting my best foot forward again."</p></div>
<div data-ui-testid="body-content-all"><p>Becoming a leader on and off the footy field isn't something that happens overnight and the perfect example of that is <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/new-zealand-warriors">Warriors</a> co-captain <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...-webster-backs-selection-20240526-p5jgtl.html">Mitch Barnett</a>.</p><p>The 31-year-old has gone through a rather slow burn to get to the position he finds himself in now as both a <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/topic/nsw-blues-1lvd">NSW Blues</a> and <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/topic/kangaroos-25vf">Kangaroos</a> representative, having made his debut at both the State of Origin and international level last year.</p><p>In his early years - which saw him come through the lower grades at the <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/newcastle-knights">Knights</a>, move to and play two games for the Raiders, before moving back to Newcastle - Barnett was always a fiery competitor and there were clearly times he stepped over the line.</p><p><strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/footb...lou-delivers-epic-speech-20250524-p5m1uf.html"><strong>Ange delivers another epic quote at Spurs parade</strong></a></p><p><strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...chlan-galvin-immediately-20250521-p5m0yo.html"><strong>Galvin set to lose millions as two rival offers revealed</strong></a></p><p><strong>READ MORE:</strong> <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...-joash-papalii-debut-try-20250523-p5m1tl.html"><strong>Eels debutant dazzles as 'bedraggled' Sea Eagles crumble</strong></a></p><p>Things came to a head three years ago while playing for the Knights, <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...penrith-panthers-updates-20220326-p5iyhn.html">when the enforcer was sent off for an off-the-ball elbow to the head of Panthers forward Chris Smith</a>.</p><p>It resulted in a six-week ban and Barnett this week told <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/bl...hug-act-he-still-regrets-20250520-p5m0n6.html" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">The Sydney Morning Herald</a> the act was "thuggish" but was "glad that it happened" at that stage of his career.</p><figure><picture><source media="(min-width: 1124px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8 2x"><source media="(min-width: 1024px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8 2x"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8 2x"><img alt="Mitchell Barnett of the Knights is sent off following his elbow on Chris Smith." src="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/b6e2198bde19e04e029b78cb6162ed786a880be8 2x" width="100%"></picture><figcaption><p>Mitch Barnett is sent off during the 2022 season. <cite>Getty</cite></p></figcaption></figure><p>Despite his hotheadedness, Barnett was clearly a quality footballer and during his time with the Knights, managed to play 126 first grade games over seven seasons.</p><p>A switch to the Warriors at the end of 2022 was exactly what the doctor ordered and now Barnett is a representative-level player, a leader of men and a father. </p><p>While it wasn't always easy going, there was one man who tried to get the best out of Barnett from a young age - even if he "wasn't ready" for it at the time.</p><p>Speaking to Wide World of Sports during Origin camp, the hard-nosed prop spoke candidly about his rise from a young firebrand to the inspirational Warriors skipper.</p><p><em><strong>Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and</strong></em> <a href="https://stream.9now.com.au/KDmNCTLBeRb" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><em><strong>9Now</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p><p>"When I was at Newcastle, Nathan Brown saw me as a future leader and sort of fast-tracked me into a bit of a leadership role," Barnett said.</p><p>"I didn't really enjoy it too much and I probably wasn't ready to be a leader - probably more so not being ready, even though my actions on the field said that maybe I was.</p><p>"But since going across to New Zealand, I just didn't think about that stuff at all - I was an open book, I didn't think about anything other than training well and playing well.</p><p>"I wanted to put my best foot forward for them. I have matured a lot on and off the field and now I've fallen into this leadership role.</p><figure><picture><source media="(min-width: 1124px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1 2x"><source media="(min-width: 1024px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1 2x"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1 2x"><img alt="Warriors forward Mitch Barnett." src="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/22ca99d2522c60cbf0ebdd67525c88a4c7ae37e1 2x" width="100%"></picture><figcaption><p>Warriors captain Mitch Barnett. <cite>Getty</cite></p></figcaption></figure><p>"It's something I've taken on head first and I've loved having that responsibility. </p><p>"It's meant a lot [to me]. It wasn't something that I was striving for, but Webby [head coach Andrew Webster] saw something in me and even the growth I've had in that leadership role since taking it over, it's been great for me personally.</p><p>"Fish [James Fisher-Harris] has been really good for me, Kurt Capewell is another one.</p><p>"Our whole group has been really good in coming together and I think you can see that in the results on the field."</p><p><em><strong>Watch the 2025 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and</strong></em> <a href="https://9now.app.link/1QDVFYZrWab" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank"><em><strong>9Now</strong></em></a><em><strong>.</strong></em></p><p>Barnett's form over the past two years-and-change has been outstanding, even when the Warriors slid down the table in 2024 after a surprising run of results in 2023.</p><p>Last season, Barnett averaged 149 run metres and 32 tackles per game. Those numbers have remained strong this season, with 141 run metres and 36 tackles per game.</p><p>Barnett's own form, coupled with standout performances from the likes of <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...metcalf-try-fan-reaction-20250503-p5lwah.html">Luke Metcalf</a> and Wayde Egan and the rise of young guns like <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...aban-contract-extensions-20250521-p5m11e.html">Leka Halasima</a>, has seen a team many expected to be battling it out for the wooden spoon sitting pretty in the top-four.</p><figure><picture><source media="(min-width: 1124px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f 2x"><source media="(min-width: 1024px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f 2x"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f 2x"><img src="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/c23da7f154a4b9f8bf55831d2934de8668ed3c1f 2x" width="100%"></picture><figcaption><p>Mitchell Barnett celebrates for the Warriors. <cite>Getty</cite></p></figcaption></figure><p>"It's been massive, I've been loving footy and we're learning every week," Barnett said.</p><p>"We win games and I don't even know how we win them sometimes.</p><p>"We're finding ways to win and the best part is, it's always something different every week and it presents new challenges for us every week. We just need to keep learning and if we can keep winning while we're learning, I'll keep on enjoying it.</p><p>"We've had a lot of ball in play moments and that sets you up for big games."</p><p>His efforts on the field have culminated in a starting spot for the Blues in next week's Origin opener at Suncorp Stadium, which is never an easy task for any player south of the border with 50,000 screaming Queenslanders awaiting.</p><figure><picture><source media="(min-width: 1124px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1 2x"><source media="(min-width: 1024px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1 2x"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1 2x"><img src="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/36806994fd0d79aab834e69b487235aa997775c1 2x" width="100%"></picture><figcaption><p>It's always a hostile environment in Brisbane. <cite>Getty</cite></p></figcaption></figure><p>Barnett will strike a formidable one-two bunch with Broncos behemoth <a href="https://www.nine.com.au/person/payne-haas-267a">Payne Haas</a> and will be trying to replicate the combination he's shared in the past at the Warriors. </p><p>"I feel like with Payne, I look at it a bit like me and Addin Fonua-Blake," he said.</p><p>"They're similar sort of players, even though they have a lot of differences, they're both big strong men who are fit and get through a lot of work.</p><p>"Myself and Addin complemented each other really well at the Warriors, so I'm hoping me and Payne can do something similar in a different arena."</p><p>Haas is the unparalleled best prop in the game and one of the best players, but the combination with Barnett - as well as bench forwards Spencer Leniu and Max King - gives the Blues a tremendous balance in the middle of the park.</p><figure><picture><source media="(min-width: 1124px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb 2x"><source media="(min-width: 1024px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb 2x"><source media="(min-width: 768px)" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb 2x"><img alt="Spencer Leniu training with NSW." src="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb" srcset="https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb, https://static.ffx.io/images/$zoom_...auto/d2717876969cd7f23285c6c4643d0de9e3f74bdb 2x" width="100%"></picture><figcaption><p>Spencer Leniu is a real tone setter off the bench. <cite>Getty</cite></p></figcaption></figure><p>But as anyone involved in rugby league knows, Origin games aren't won on paper and Barnett isn't taking his position for granted heading into the three-game series.</p><p>"I'm looking forward to that challenge and representing my family and my club on a good note," Barnett said.</p><p>"It doesn't mean too much to me at the moment, because I've still got to go out there and perform well. Hopefully I can do a job for this team and do it for the series.</p><p>"It is awesome though. It still hasn't all really sunk in yet. I'm grateful that I've got the opportunity to be coming back in here and putting my best foot forward again."</p></div>
