Broncos now a ‘genuine option’ for Barnett after he asks to leave Warriors

The Brisbane Broncos have made Mitch Barnett a $1.5 million offer to play for the club in 2027 and 2028, after he requested to leave his New Zealand Warriors contract years early on “compassionate grounds” relating to his family.

Brisbane coach Michael Maguire reportedly flew to Sydney earlier this week to meet with the Warriors prop; he’s very eager to add the famously tough Barnett to his forward rotation, especially with Payne Haas leaving to join South Sydney in 2027. Barnett would instantly slot in as a starting prop for the reigning champions, as it currently stands.

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The Broncos have been squared as favourites to sign the 32-year-old since he asked the Warriors to leave, though Newcastle has been floated several times because Barnett wants to be close to family. Parramatta, Manly, and St George Illawarra have also informally spoken to the 177-game veteran, though they’re yet to put anything official on the table.

One interesting thing this Sporting Base writer hasn’t seen mentioned much is that while Barnett’s family is in Taree (closest to Newcastle), his wife’s family actually lives on the Gold Coast, setting Brisbane up as a wise choice.

The $750K-a-year offer that Barnett is now mulling would be a pay cut on his $800K deal with the Warriors, though of course not by much, and Barnett has said he knew leaving his current deal early may cost him money.

The biggest sticking point may eventually be length: The Broncos are open to adding a mutual option for 2029, but Barnett’s party wants to have a solidified three-year signing. “Mitch is confident he can play another two or three years, so he’s happy to listen to clubs and see what they put on the table,” Barnett’s manager Gavin Orr said on future deal lengths.

He also earlier confirmed the Broncos are a “genuine option” to sign the State of Origin forward.

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Haas, who has played with Barnett for New South Wales in Origin, also gave the 32-year-old his tick of approval. “He would be a great signing if they could get him,” Haas said. “He does all the hard-nosed stuff… he’s a great leader.

“He’s a strong voice, and he’s a strong character. If Brisbane can get him, it would do them the world of good.”