Mitch Barnett is to leave the Warriors after the 2026 NRL season. -AAP Image
Co-captain Mitch Barnett is set to leave the Warriors at the end of 2026 after being granted an early release from the Auckland-based NRL club on compassionate grounds.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Barnett, a two-time NSW State of Origin representative, had signed a deal with the Warriors until the end of 2027 but will leave a year ahead of schedule.
Warriors chief executive Cameron George said it was in the best interests of Barnett and his family to return to Australia.
"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."
No club has yet emerged for Barnett's services, but the 31-year-old prop will have no shortage of suitors given his rise to Origin and Australia honours while under the tutelage of Warriors coach Andrew Webster.
Barnett missed the back half of the 2025 season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament but is expected to return for the Warriors in round two.
28°C