Mitchell Barnett (C). Photo: photosport
New Zealand 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 Barnett was originally signed on a three-year deal to the end of 2025.
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.
Raised in Wingham in New South Wales, Barnett makes his 157th career appearance and his 29th for the Warriors in Saturday's 15th-round clash against Melbourne at Go Media Stadium.
"Mitch absolutely epitomises toughness, resilience and leadership," Warriors head coach Andrew Webster said.
"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."
Warriors captain Mitchell Barnett. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Barnett 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."
The move has resulted in Barnett finding career-best form, averaging 142 metres and 30 tackles a game over the last two seasons.
In Saturday night's 42-12 win over the Cowboys he 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.