Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett will depart the NRL club at the end of the 2026 NRL season, after being granted a release from the final year of his contract on compassionate grounds. 

According to the Daily Telegraph, Barnett has been in dialogue with Warriors coach Andrew Webster and chief executive Cameron George since November due to his child’s medical needs and the requirement for ongoing family support. 

Barnett, who was contracted until the end of the 2027 season, did not disclose the medical needs of his child. 

The 31-year-old said it was an “extremely tough” decision. 

“It’s extremely hard coming to this decision,” Barnett told the Daily Telegraph. 

“The decision I’ve made is the one that’s best for my family. This is based purely on our child’s medical needs and our need to be back around family going forward. 

“I’m a father and husband before a footballer and that’s why, ultimately, I’m extremely comfortable with the decision.” 

Since joining the Warriors in 2023, the 31-year-old has found career best-form during 49 appearances and has gone on to play for New South Wales in State of Origin and represent the Kangaroos. 

Barnett is recovering from an ACL injury and is expected to be in the frame for selection when the Warriors kick off their NRL season on March 6 against the Sydney Roosters. 

The Warriors’ Facebook page announced that Barnett was departing for “personal reasons”. 

“He has become such a big part of our club. We love having him here and we know how much he loves it, too, but it’s important he, Clare and their boys are back around their family support network,” Warriors chief executive Cameron George said. 

More to come 

Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.