NZ Warriors forward Mitchell Barnett has recommitted to the club to the end of the 2027 NRL season after signing a two-year contract extension.
Joining the club from Newcastle last season, the 30-year-old was originally signed on a three-year deal until the end of 2025.
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His new contract caps an eventful time which has seen him selected in the New South Wales State of Origin squad, captain the Warriors and become a father again after his wife Clare gave birth to the couple’s second son Zane two weeks ago.
“Having Mitch on board for the next three seasons is so important for the club,” said Warriors general manager of recruitment, pathways and development Andrew McFadden.
“He’s a terrific asset, representing all the qualities we want to see in our players.”
Barnett has found career-best form with the Warriors, averaging 142 metres and 30 tackles a game over the last two seasons.
Raised in Wingham, New South Wales, Barnett makes his 157th career appearance and his 29th for the Warriors in Saturday’s Round 15 clash against the Melbourne Storm at Auckland Go Media Stadium Mt Smart.
“Mitch absolutely epitomises toughness, resilience and leadership,” said Warriors head coach Andrew Webster.
“Whether he’s in the front row or on the edge, he gives the team everything and more.
“Through the tough period we endured, Mitch was the glue. He worked so hard and really deserved his Origin call-up. He ticks all the boxes. The harder it gets, the better he gets.
“Off the field he’s a tremendous influence on the group and shows so much passion for the club. We love him.”
Barnett has credited Webster for taking his career to a new level.
"Webby has come in and I have really connected with him. He just gets it. He gets rugby league. He gets life. He gets the mixture,” he said.
"I needed a bit of a change. My form and my career were stalling a bit at Newcastle and I wanted to test myself and get out of my comfort zone. I wanted to come here to show my value.”
In Saturday night’s 42-12 win over the North Queensland Cowboys, Barnett scored a try and made 149 metres from 15 runs, 70 post contact metres, 28 tackles without a miss and no errors in an unbroken shift of 58 minutes.