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Departing Warrior Barnett signs on with new club
Sport Nation •  March 12th, 2026 2:10 pm
Photo: AAP
Departing NZ Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett appears to have found his new home.
According to The Daily Telegraph, the Brisbane Broncos have reportedly secured Origin forward Barnett's services when he leaves Mt Smart at the end of the 2026.
Barnett has reportedly agreed to a two-year deal worth around $AU2.4 million ($NZ2.9m), choosing Brisbane as a readymade replacement for Bunnies-bound Payne Haas despite interest from several rival NRL clubs.
Mitch Barnett wants to finish his Wahs campaign as a winner | Sport Nation Afternoons
Both Manly and Parramatta were informed of Barnett’s intention to take up the offer, while St. George Illawarra also held discussions with the Warriors forward but stopped short of making a formal bid. The Eels had also tabled a two-year contract.
Barnett previously played under Broncos coach Michael Maguire during Maguire’s time in charge of New South Wales, a connection believed to have influenced the move.
The Warriors still hold Barnett for the final year of his contract and have indicated they will seek compensation before agreeing to an early release.
According to Brisbane-based Courier Mail, the Warriors are 'exploring' a potential swap to land NZ-born Broncos teenager Antonio Verhoeven, an outside back who is yet to make his first grade debut but is training with Brisbane’s NRL squad.
Talks between Brisbane and the Warriors are ongoing as the clubs work to finalise the arrangement.
Barnett is currently sidelined with a knee injury but is expected to return to action within the next fortnight.
Warriors coach Andrew Webster on replacing Mitch Barnett | Millsy & Guy
