BRONCOS LAND BIG FISH: Mitchell Barnett Signs Record-Breaking Deal to Return Home
BRISBANE – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL, the Brisbane Broncos have officially confirmed the signing of New Zealand Warriors co-captain and New South Wales representative Mitchell Barnett.
The deal, described by insiders as a landmark moment for the club’s roster transition, sees the veteran forward return to Australia on a two-year contract starting in 2027. While the reported $30 million figure circulating in early social media leaks is widely regarded as a massive exaggeration given the NRL’s strict salary cap (which currently sits around $12 million per club), the signing remains one of the most significant recruitment wins for coach Michael Maguire.
A Return Driven by Family
The announcement follows an emotional week for Barnett, who was granted an early release from the final year of his Warriors contract on compassionate grounds. The 31-year-old opened up about the difficult decision, citing the medical needs of his child and the necessity of being closer to family support networks on the New South Wales north coast.
> “I’m a father and husband before a footballer,” Barnett said in a statement. “The Warriors have been incredible to me, but family has to come first. To have the opportunity to join a club like the Broncos while being a short flight from home is the best possible outcome for us.”
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The “Madge” Connection
The move reunites Barnett with Michael Maguire. “Madge” was the man who handed Barnett his State of Origin debut for the Blues in 2024, and the two share a mutual respect rooted in a hard-nosed, “effort-area” style of play.
With Broncos superstar Payne Haas confirmed to be departing for South Sydney in 2027, the acquisition of Barnett provides much-needed veteran leadership. Barnett has enjoyed a career resurgence in recent years, evolving from a standard edge back-rower into a versatile, high-impact middle forward who can also play 80 minutes on an edge.
The Business of the Deal
While the “confirmed” $30 million figure would theoretically make Barnett the highest-paid athlete in Australian history—eclipsing the entire salary cap of two NRL teams combined—the actual terms are expected to be at a premium veteran rate.
The Warriors haven’t let their star man go without a fight. CEO Cameron George has made it clear that while they are sympathetic to Barnett’s family situation, the club expects compensation.
* Player Swap: The Warriors are reportedly seeking “a player or two” in return from Brisbane.
* Roster Depth: Potential names being floated for a move to Auckland include young prop Xavier Willison or other rising stars in the Broncos’ deep forward rotation.
What This Means for Brisbane
The Broncos’ pack is currently undergoing a massive facelift. With Barnett joining for the 2027 season, he will be expected to:
* Lead by Example: Provide the “grit” that Maguire demands from his forwards.
* Fill the Haas Void: Offer a high work rate to offset the loss of the world’s best front-rower.
* Mentor Youth: Guide the next generation of Broncos forwards like Benjamin Talty and Corey Jensen.
Barnett will remain with the Warriors for the duration of the 2026 season, where he is expected to reach his 50-game milestone for the club and his 200th career NRL appearance before heading to Red Hill.
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