Mitchell Barnett: Eels $2.6M Bid for Warriors Star

Mitchell Barnett is weighing his options as he prepares to depart the New Zealand Warriors, with a potential $2.6 million deal from the Parramatta Eels now on the table. A decision on his future is expected within the next 48 hours.

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Barnett, who has been granted a release by the Warriors to be closer to his family next season, has become one of the most sought-after players on the open market. The veteran forward has represented the NSW Blues in back-to-back State of Origin series, but has faced questions regarding his long-term health after suffering a ruptured ACL.

Despite the injury concerns, Barnett believes he can still make a significant impact for any team. The 177-game veteran is confident in his ability to contribute and mentor younger players.

“My game is not pretty. I do all the little efforts and all the things that people don’t see really well,” Barnett said on Sky Sports’ Ford League Lounge with Shaun Johnson. “I pride myself on trying to be tough and I just think I’d love to see that continue down through the generations. I’ve had a lot going on outside of my football with my family.

“I won’t dive into any details with that but it has been extremely tough and I have worked with the club over the situation.

“I have to protect my family. I haven’t revealed any details, but the club knows I’m making the decision as a father and the support from social media has been unreal, even from private DMs.

“It hasn’t been an overnight decision. I will be going back to Australia at the end of the season but I am still here this year and keen to rip in. I want to go out on a high note (at the Warriors).”

The Parramatta Eels have emerged as strong contenders, reportedly submitting a three-year offer worth $2.6 million, averaging around $860,000 per season. This late bid challenges previous reports linking Barnett to the Brisbane Broncos, who had offered a two-year deal valued at approximately $1.5 million.

The Warriors are seeking compensation for losing a key player and have identified potential targets, including Brisbane’s teen star Antonio Verhoeven, Parramatta utility Jordan Samrani and St. George Illawarra wingers Tyrell Sloan and Manly’s Jason Saab.

“This guy has arrive of age since he went over to the Warriors. He has become a real leader and goes after the opposition,” Kieran Foran said on Fox League’s Sunday Ticket over the weekend. “He is a star front-rower in our game and just his presence on the field I think would work wonders for that Brisbane side (especially with) losing a player like Payne.”

Newcastle Knights, previously considered a potential destination, are no longer in the running, according to reports. Michael Ennis emphasized Barnett’s professionalism, stating, “I don’t think you’ll see any reluctance from clubs to sign him. It’s not just what Barnett brings (on the field), its what he brings Monday to Friday too.”

“He is just such a professional. You can’t put a price on a front-rower that leads by example with his training, with his preparation and what he does for the rest of the group.”

Barnett is recovering from a ruptured ACL sustained last season and expects to be available for selection in the early rounds of the competition. He affirmed his readiness to return to the field, stating, “I’m just ready to go. I don’t care what round it is, who it is, I’m ready to go.”

“I have been ready to go since before Christmas. I have ticked some things off that I needed to do with my knee.

“Watching the boys run out there and do a job on the Roosters has got me amped up.

“Wherever the team needs me to slot in, whether it’s building slowly or going straight into it, I’m ready to go.”