A thrilling bidding war is about to unfold, and it's all for the signature of NRL star Mitchell Barnett! This story has it all: a compassionate release, a talented forward, and a host of clubs eager to secure his services.
Mitchell Barnett, a respected middle forward, has been granted an early release from his contract with the New Zealand Warriors. At 31 years old, he's seeking a move back to Australia for family reasons, and this has sparked a frenzy among NRL clubs.
But here's where it gets controversial... Barnett's agent, Gavin Orr, has revealed that several clubs are showing significant interest. He specifically mentioned the Broncos as a team Barnett would be keen to talk to.
Orr said, "I've had calls from clubs like the Broncos and Eels. The Broncos are an attractive option as they're close to Taree, where his family resides."
However, Orr also highlighted the Broncos' existing props, like Xavier Willison, Corey Jensen, and Ben Talty, suggesting that Barnett needs to carefully consider all his options.
And this is the part most people miss... Barnett is currently recovering from an ACL injury, but he's determined to continue playing at a high level for at least another two or three years. He wants to take his time and explore all his options, and Newcastle, due to its proximity to his family, could be another strong contender.
So, who will win the bidding war for Mitchell Barnett? Will it be the Broncos, or will another club snatch him up? Only time will tell.
Get ready for the 2026 NRL season and stay updated with the FREE Zero Tackle NRL Season Guide! It's packed with player profiles, team previews, and in-depth analysis to keep you in the loop.
Download your copy now and join the conversation!
What do you think? Who should Barnett sign with, and why? Let's discuss in the comments!