CWC
🔍
Post-Match Analyst
Did any other players from Origin I backup for their clubs on the weekend and get injured?
Or was Mitch the anomaly?
Ponga's pride got injured by not playing
Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Did any other players from Origin I backup for their clubs on the weekend and get injured?
Or was Mitch the anomaly?
What, do you want some too?Did any other players from Origin I backup for their clubs on the weekend and get injured?
Or was Mitch the anomaly?
Could be the difference between him retiring or not.A bad ACL, as opposed to a very bad ACL, is good for everyone because it could well be the difference between Mitch coming back strong and confident or hesitant with a chance of reoccurrence.
So 9 months is March but could be longer so April, May.
Takes a long time once back to get up to full confidence and strength though.So 9 months is March but could be longer so April, May.
Not the worst hopefully back within the first month of the season.
Send him to the States with his family to recover like Tino.Takes a long time once back to get up to full confidence and strength though.
Time to go home. Great pick-up for any club.Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett leaving at end of NRL season due to ‘personal reasons’
Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett will depart the NRL club at the end of the 2026 NRL season, after being granted a release from the final year of his contract on compassionate grounds.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Barnett has been in dialogue with Warriors coach Andrew Webster and chief executive Cameron George since November due to his child’s medical needs and the requirement for ongoing family support.
Barnett, who was contracted until the end of the 2027 season, did not disclose the medical needs of his child.
The 31-year-old said it was an “extremely tough” decision.
“It’s extremely hard coming to this decision,” Barnett told the Daily Telegraph.
“The decision I’ve made is the one that’s best for my family. This is based purely on our child’s medical needs and our need to be back around family going forward.
“I’m a father and husband before a footballer and that’s why, ultimately, I’m extremely comfortable with the decision.”
Since joining the Warriors in 2023, the 31-year-old has found career best-form during 49 appearances and has gone on to play for New South Wales in State of Origin and represent the Kangaroos.
Barnett is recovering from an ACL injury and is expected to be in the frame for selection when the Warriors kick off their NRL season on March 6 against the Sydney Roosters.
The Warriors’ Facebook page announced that Barnett was departing for “personal reasons”.
“He has become such a big part of our club. We love having him here and we know how much he loves it, too, but it’s important he, Clare and their boys are back around their family support network,” Warriors chief executive Cameron George said.
![]()
Warriors co-captain to depart club at end of NRL season for 'personal reasons'
Mitch Barnett has been granted a release on compassionate grounds.www.nzherald.co.nz
Would your opinion change if he joined Perth or PNG?Cant argue with his reasons, family first always. But geez what a big loss, especially his leadership.
Wonder how that alters our recruitment strategy going forward? Im sure the club were setting themselves up to address our lack of strike out wide and was probably content to move Niukore and Capewell on cause we had enough experience in that pack to support our boom 2nd rowers . This may cause a re-think.
Oh well here's hoping he goes out all guns blazing this season.....then go look after the little one bud.
Don’t even compare the twoNothing but love for him. He's been great for us. This may trigger an extension for Niukore. I'm sad to see him go, but grateful for what he's done. It's not like he left us in a crisis. Laban to second row, Niukore to prop. No sweat!