Manly Sea Eagles Secure Blockbuster $4.5M Deal for Warriors’ Star Mitchell Barnett
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the NRL, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have officially confirmed the signing of New Zealand Warriors co-captain Mitchell Barnett on a massive three-year deal worth an estimated $4.5 million.
The 31-year-old enforcer, who has enjoyed a late-career surge into the State of Origin and Kangaroos ranks, will join the Sea Eagles effective from the 2027 season. The announcement follows a week of heavy speculation after the Warriors granted Barnett an early release from the final year of his contract on compassionate grounds.
A Homecoming with Purpose
While Barnett has found career-best form in Auckland, winning the prestigious Simon Mannering Medal in 2024, his decision to depart the Warriors was driven by family necessity. The veteran forward requested a release to return to New South Wales to be closer to a family support network for his child’s medical needs.
“Mitch has been a pillar of our club, and while we are devastated to see him go, family comes first,” said Warriors CEO Cameron George. “He leaves with our total blessing after he sees out the 2026 campaign.”
For Manly, the signing represents a significant “chess move” in their roster management. With a reported price tag of $1.5 million per season, the Sea Eagles are betting big on Barnett’s leadership and dual-threat capability as both a front-rower and a second-rower.
Bolstering the Brookvale Pack
Sea Eagles coach Anthony Seibold has been vocal about the need for “hard-nosed” experience in the engine room. With veteran stalwarts like Daly Cherry-Evans moving on and the forward pack undergoing a transition, Barnett is seen as the perfect cultural fit for the Northern Beaches.
“Mitchell brings a level of toughness and professionalism that is rare in the modern game,” Seibold said. “He is an Origin player for a reason. He doesn’t just lead with words; he leads with his actions on every hit-up and every tackle.”
The $4.5 Million Question
The scale of the contract—$4.5 million over three years—makes Barnett one of the highest-paid forwards in the game. Critics have pointed to his age, as he will be 33 when he first pulls on the maroon and white jersey in 2027. However, Manly insiders suggest the deal is structured to maximize their premiership window while their current core of stars, including Tom Trbojevic and Haumole Olakau’atu, are in their prime.
Mitchell Barnett: Career at a Glance
| Stat | Achievement |
| :— | :— |
| NRL Debut | 2015 (Raiders) |
| Previous Clubs | Raiders, Knights, Warriors |
| Representative | NSW Blues (2024), Australia (2024) |
| Playing Style | High-workrate enforcer, versatile back-rower/prop |
The Warriors are expected to receive compensation, likely in the form of a player transfer, as part of the release agreement. Meanwhile, Sea Eagles fans are already celebrating the arrival of a “spiritual successor” to the club’s long history of uncompromising forwards.
GET RELATED CONTENT ON: UTDEVENINGNEWS.CO.UK
Leave a Reply