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‘I wasn’t ready’: Warriors enforcer reflects on leadership journey - sportingnews.com
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<p>From a six-week ban for a reckless elbow to a starting jersey for the Blues, Mitch Barnett’s rise to a leadership position with the Wahs hasn’t been a linear climb.</p><p>Named to start in the engine room for New South Wales in next week’s Origin opener, the hard-nosed New Zealand Warriors prop has cemented his place as one of the NRL’s most reliable forwards. </p><p>But the 31-year-old admits the path was far from straightforward.</p><p>Speaking to during Origin camp, Barnett reflected on the turning point in his career, and the moment he realised he wasn’t ready for the responsibilities that came early.</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 told <em><a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...igin-nsw-blues-selection-20250522-p5m1ui.html" target="_blank">Wide World of Sports</a></em>.</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><h2>From firebrand to co-captain</h2><p>After seven seasons and 126 first-grade games with the Knights, Barnett made the move to the Warriors at the end of 2022. The change of scenery and a shift in mindset proved to be the catalyst.</p><p>“Since going across to New Zealand, I just didn’t think about that stuff at all – I was an open book,” he said.</p><p>“I didn’t think about anything other than training well and playing well. I wanted to put my best foot forward for them.”</p><p><strong>MORE: <a target href="https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rug...hull-fc-super-league/4e4aa1d32942c40925cbf3b5">Former NRL journeyman setting record pace in Super League with Hull FC</a></strong></p><p>Under head coach Andrew Webster, Barnett gradually stepped into a leadership role; however, this time on his own terms. His consistent performances and maturity earned him the Warriors’ co-captaincy, a role he now relishes.</p><p>“It’s something I’ve taken on head first, and I’ve loved having that responsibility. It wasn’t something that I was striving for, but Webby saw something in me,” he said.</p><p>“Even the growth I’ve had in that leadership role since taking it over – it’s been great for me personally.”</p><p>Barnett’s numbers speak for themselves. He’s averaging 141 run metres and 36 tackles per game this season, continuing the form that earned him both Blues and Kangaroos debuts in 2024.</p><p>And now, as he prepares to line up alongside Payne Haas in one of rugby league’s toughest arenas, Barnett is seemingly ready.</p><p>“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,” he said.</p>
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<div id="article-body" data-testid="article-content-body">
<p>From a six-week ban for a reckless elbow to a starting jersey for the Blues, Mitch Barnett’s rise to a leadership position with the Wahs hasn’t been a linear climb.</p><p>Named to start in the engine room for New South Wales in next week’s Origin opener, the hard-nosed New Zealand Warriors prop has cemented his place as one of the NRL’s most reliable forwards. </p><p>But the 31-year-old admits the path was far from straightforward.</p><p>Speaking to during Origin camp, Barnett reflected on the turning point in his career, and the moment he realised he wasn’t ready for the responsibilities that came early.</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 told <em><a href="https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/n...igin-nsw-blues-selection-20250522-p5m1ui.html" target="_blank">Wide World of Sports</a></em>.</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><h2>From firebrand to co-captain</h2><p>After seven seasons and 126 first-grade games with the Knights, Barnett made the move to the Warriors at the end of 2022. The change of scenery and a shift in mindset proved to be the catalyst.</p><p>“Since going across to New Zealand, I just didn’t think about that stuff at all – I was an open book,” he said.</p><p>“I didn’t think about anything other than training well and playing well. I wanted to put my best foot forward for them.”</p><p><strong>MORE: <a target href="https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rug...hull-fc-super-league/4e4aa1d32942c40925cbf3b5">Former NRL journeyman setting record pace in Super League with Hull FC</a></strong></p><p>Under head coach Andrew Webster, Barnett gradually stepped into a leadership role; however, this time on his own terms. His consistent performances and maturity earned him the Warriors’ co-captaincy, a role he now relishes.</p><p>“It’s something I’ve taken on head first, and I’ve loved having that responsibility. It wasn’t something that I was striving for, but Webby saw something in me,” he said.</p><p>“Even the growth I’ve had in that leadership role since taking it over – it’s been great for me personally.”</p><p>Barnett’s numbers speak for themselves. He’s averaging 141 run metres and 36 tackles per game this season, continuing the form that earned him both Blues and Kangaroos debuts in 2024.</p><p>And now, as he prepares to line up alongside Payne Haas in one of rugby league’s toughest arenas, Barnett is seemingly ready.</p><p>“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,” he said.</p>
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