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However, the Warriors won\u2019t rubberstamp Barnett\u2019s next contract unless they are compensated in the form of a transfer fee or player swap or potentially both. <\/p>\n
The Warriors released Addin Fonua-Blake in similar circumstances to return to Australia and play for the Sharks, but the club did get a suitable replacement in premiership winning prop James Fisher-Harris from the Panthers. <\/p>\n
Speaking on The League Lounge podcast, Warriors legend Shaun Johnson questioned if the Warriors will be able to replace a player of Barnett\u2019s calibre by the start of the 2027 season. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe idea around trying to replace Barnett, which I don\u2019t think that\u2019s achievable just through the calibre of player that he is,\u201d Johnson said. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut it\u2019s been pretty well publicised you do expect something in return. Has that always been a part of the plan? <\/p>\n
\u201cIs that how you start moving the pieces in the background when something like this falls on your lap?\u201d<\/p>\n
MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n
\u2018SERIOUSLY\u2019: Flanno fumes at \u2018six or seven\u2019 ref calls as game \u2018not decided the right way\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018TOUGH AS NAILS\u2019: Proof rugby league can work in USA <\/a><\/p>\n \u2018REALLY DISAPPOINTED\u2019: Cowboys coach calls out double standards after serious injury<\/a><\/p>\n Cameron George speaks on replacing Mitch Barnett.Source: FOX SPORTS<\/p>\n George revealed the Warriors are prepared to be patient in their bid to ensure that the club gets an adequate replacement or compensation for Barnett\u2019s services. <\/p>\n \u201cI think patience is the best thing here,\u201d George said. <\/p>\n \u201cUnless someone is offered up to us in terms of a trade or a transaction player, we might just sit on the fence and look at the market and how it unfolds because we all know it can change quite rapidly and quick. <\/p>\n \u201cWe learnt that through the Addin Fonua-Blake situation. We went hard, we went fast, we went like this, we\u2019re not moving, we\u2019re doing this and doing that. <\/p>\n \u201cThe day we let Addin go and we ended up with James Fisher-Harris three months later.\u201d<\/p>\n Get all the latest news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports NRL Sportmail. Sign up now!!! <\/a><\/p>\n Walsh – ‘The Big Moments, I Want That’ | 01:13<\/p>\n George revealed that Barnett\u2019s release was contingent on the Warriors getting compensation and the club will hold firm on that to protect their interests, while he stressed the importance of bringing the right player to the club to fill the void. <\/p>\n \u201cWith Barnett, it\u2019s been absolutely clear to him and his agent from the outset that wherever you go, we expect compensation,\u201d George said. <\/p>\n \u201cAnd what that looks like and who that is, we don\u2019t know yet. We\u2019ve had a few clubs contact us, but again, it\u2019s playing that patient game. <\/p>\n \u201cWhoever we\u2019re bringing to this club\u2019s got to add value, not problems, and they\u2019ve got to connect with coach Andrew Webster. That\u2019s just how it works.\u201d <\/p>\n 2026 SEASON PREVIEWS<\/p>\n SEA EAGLES: Big unknown in new era… and superstar facing make-or-break year<\/a><\/p>\n DOLPHINS: They are the ultimate entertainers… but can\u2019t ignore darker reality<\/a><\/p>\n