Explore the latest developments concerning Mitchell Barnett leaving.
Mitchell Barnett leaving at end of year for personal reasons
One New Zealand Warriors co-captain Mitchell Barnett will return to Australia at the end of the season for personal reasons.
Warriors CEO Cameron George today announced the 31-year-old Kangaroos and New South Wales front rower will be released from the final year of his contract.
“We’re very sad to see this happen but Mitch and his family need to be back home,” he said.
“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."
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The Warriors have dropped a bombshell with skipper Mitch Barnett released from the final year of his deal to return to Australia for personal reasons.
Barnett, who is returning from an ACL injury that rubbed him out of most of last year, was contracted for 2027, but will now return to Australia at the end of the 2026 season, which will be his last in Warriors colours.
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The Knights and the Titans are the most likely landing spots for Barnett, given that they are close to family. The Broncos may also fancy a crask, given the impending exit of fellow Test prop Payne Haas.
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Broncos linked with State of Origin star after early release from rival NRL club
The Broncos, Titans and Knights have been floated as the most likely destination for Mitch Barnett after the State of Origin forward was granted an early release from his contract with the Warriors. Barnett announced on Tuesday that he'll head back to Australia at the end of the 2026 for family reasons.
The 31-year-old started his career in Canberra, before playing 126 games for Newcastle. He moved to New Zealand to play for the Warriors in 2023, and was contracted until the end of 2027.
But he's been granted a release from the final year of his deal and will return to Australia in 2027. Barnett, who has played two Origin games for the Blues, said he wants to be closer to family on the NSW north coast due to his child's ongoing medical needs.
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