The Eels have tabled a $2.6 million deal for Mitch Barnett in a last-ditch bid to ambush the Broncos in the battle for the NSW Origin enforcer.
This masthead can reveal Parramatta have tabled a beefed-up, three-year deal for Barnett, while the Warriors are exploring four prospective recruits to complete a transfer deal for the departing prop.
It’s understood Broncos teenage sensation Antonio Verhoeven, Eels utility Jordan Samrani, Dragons flyer Tyrell Sloan and Manly speed demon Jason Saab have been discussed as possible Warriors transfer signings.
Barnett is being targeted by four clubs, with the Dragons, Parramatta, Manly and the Broncos locked in a bidding war for his signature after lodging preliminary expressions of interest.
The Broncos were regarded as the favourites to secure Barnett’s signature given the prop’s relationship with coach Michael Maguire, who gave the 31-year-old his NSW Origin debut in 2024.
Maguire flew to Sydney last week to meet with Barnett after the Broncos tabled a two-year offer worth $1.5 million, plus the provision for an option for a third season in 2029.
But Parramatta have emerged as a genuine threat. The Eels originally discussed a two-year arrangement, but have increased their offer to three years, just south of $900,000 a season, in a bid to secure the hard-running Blues bookend.
Barnett is expected to make a definitive call over the next 48 hours and sources close to negotiations believe the Broncos and Eels are now front-runners to snare the hard-running bookend.
Brisbane’s $750,000-a-season offer is not the most lucrative on the table, but Barnett is mindful of several factors, including family and the appeal of winning a premiership ring in his twilight years.
The 177-game veteran knows he would be a genuine chance of a maiden premiership ring at the Broncos, who boast a star-studded squad that broke their 19-year title drought last season.
There are concerns about Barnett’s long-term future after he snapped his ACL last year, but the Origin and Test hardman says he is itching for a comeback in his farewell season at the Warriors.
“I’m just ready to go,” Barnett said on Monday on a New Zealand league show hosted by his former Warriors teammate Shaun Johnson.
A key factor in the transfer could be which prospective recruit is palatable to the Warriors, who are seeking compensation in the form of a player - not money - to formalise Bennett’s return to Australia.
These are the players who shape as key pawns in the Barnett trade:
ANTONIO VERHOEVEN
An explosive outside back who could be one of the future superstars of the code. The Warriors like the look of the strapping 19-year-old, who was born in New Zealand and spotted by Broncos scouts representing St Bede’s at a Sevens tournament two years ago.
Verhoeven is training with Brisbane’s NRL full-time squad and Michael Maguire has huge wraps on the well-built three-quarter, so it’s hard to see the Broncos letting him go.
TYRELL SLOAN
The Dragons are outsiders to snare Barnett but if they are successful, Sloan could be part of the transfer. There is no doubting Sloan’s talent. On his day, the speedy fullback or winger is a match-winner who can produce some freakish moments of tryscoring magic. But Sloan can be inconsistent and there’s been constant chatter about his future at the Red V, where he is currently off-contract. The Warriors may prefer a forward option.
JORDAN SAMRANI
Zac Lomax was originally flagged as a possible swap for Barnett but the Eels flyer has since signed with the Western Force after his protracted court battle.
Samrani made his NRL debut for the Eels last year, chalking up 13 appearances with stints on the bench, wing and centre.
The 24-year-old is off-contract at the end of next season and his utility value may have some appeal for the Warriors.
JASON SAAB
Manly are also in the hunt and Saab’s name has been thrown up as a possible player transfer. But it’s hard to see this swap coming off. Two years ago, the Sea Eagles extended the 25-year-old’s contract until the end of 2029, so he is locked in at Brookvale for the long haul. Contracts can be rubbery in the NRL but Barnett is unlikely to choose the Sea Eagles as his club of choice.
Off contract and free to sign elsewhere for 2027: Rocco Berry, Tanah Boyd, Kurt Capewell, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Te Maire Martin
Will be off contract and free to sign elsewhere for 2028 from November 1st, 2026: Jett Cleary, Wayde Egan, Kayliss Fatialofa, Jackson Ford, Sam Healey, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava, Ali Leiataua, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Motu Pasikala, Adam Pompey, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak
