The agent of Warriors forward Mitch Barnett has revealed the Brisbane Broncos are a “genuine option” to sign the State of Origin forward after he was granted an early release. The Warriors announced on Tuesday that Barnett will depart the NRL club one year early at the end of 2026.
The 31-year-old was originally contracted until the end of 2027, but will return to Australia on compassionate grounds. Barnett is keen to get closer to his family support network on the NSW North Coast due to one of his children’s ongoing medical needs.
Barnett’s family are based in Taree, which would seemingly put the Newcastle Knights in the box seat to sign him. But the Broncos and Gold Coast Titans have also been floated as options, and would only be a short flight away.
Mitch Barnett (far right) would be the perfect replacement for Payne Haas at the Brisbane Broncos. Image: AAP
Earlier this month, Broncos legend Corey Parker said Barnett would be the ideal replacement for Payne Haas after his decision to sign with South Sydney. Broncos coach Michael Maguire handed Barnett his State of Origin debut for NSW in 2024, and the front-rower is the kind of player that Madge loves.
And speaking to The Courier Mail on Tuesday, Barnett’s agent Gavin Orr said the Broncos are a genuine option. “The Broncos are certainly one of those teams Mitch would be keen to talk to,” Orr said, revealing several clubs have contacted him.
“I’ve already had several calls from a number of clubs including the Broncos and Eels. It’s only a short flight from where his family are in Taree, so they are a genuine option.
“Everyone will mention Payne Haas leaving the Broncos but they’ve also got a number of props like Xavier Willison, Corey Jensen and Ben Talty so we need to weigh up all options. But there’s no doubt the Broncos would be attractive. I’ve had a preliminary chat with a few clubs and now we will take things forward and see what teams can afford.”
Mitch Barnett will depart the Warriors one year early.
(Getty Images)Mitch Barnett puts family first
Barnett has played two Origin games for NSW and three Test matches for Australia. He would add immediate punch to any NRL team’s forward pack, especially if he makes a successful return from an ACL injury in the coming weeks.
“It’s extremely hard coming to this decision,” he said on Tuesday about leaving the Warriors. “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.”