Mitchell Barnett has conceded he wants to leave the New Zealand Warriors as a premiership winner. The decision on his future is set to be confirmed within the next 48 hours, and mitch barnett is at the centre of a late $2. 6 million approach from the Parramatta Eels amid interest from four clubs and a drawn-up compensation shortlist from the Warriors.
Parramatta Eels’ $2. 6 million bid for Mitch Barnett
Confirmed: The Parramatta Eels have made a late $2. 6 million offer for Barnett, a bid that the context records as intended to span three seasons. Documented: That offer would equate to roughly $860, 000 a season for the next three years through to the end of the 2029 season. This figure sits alongside other contract figures already on the table and places Parramatta’s approach as the highest monetary bid documented in the record.
Mitchell Barnett’s New Zealand Warriors release and family grounds
Confirmed: Barnett was granted a release by the New Zealand Warriors on compassionate grounds so he can be closer to his family next season. Documented: He has said he will return to Australia at the end of the season but remains with the Warriors this year and wants to finish on a high. Barnett’s on-the-record comments include statements that his decision has been made as a father, that he has had a lot going on outside football, and that he intends to continue contributing on-field and mentoring younger forwards.
Brisbane Broncos interest, health concerns and the Warriors’ shortlist
Confirmed: Prior negotiations included a near-deal with the Brisbane Broncos consisting of a two-year contract worth nearly $1. 5 million, which would have been about $750, 000 per season. Documented: The context also notes concerns about Barnett’s long-term health after a ruptured ACL, even as he is described as a veteran of 177 NRL matches and a back-to-back NSW Blues State of Origin representative. The Warriors have made clear they seek compensation for losing a player of Barnett’s calibre, and a shortlist for potential compensation targets has been drawn up. That shortlist includes Antonio Verhoeven, Parramatta utility Jordan Samrani, Dragons winger Tyrell Sloan and Manly winger Jason Saab.
Documented: Comment in the record praises Barnett’s leadership and toughness, with Kieran Foran noting Barnett has become a real leader and goes after the opposition. This pattern — significant monetary offers, prior near-agreements, health caveats and a compensation shortlist — frames why multiple clubs remain active despite the personal circumstances that prompted Barnett’s release.
What remains unclear and the evidence that would resolve it
Open question: The context does not confirm which club will ultimately secure Barnett’s signature or which compensation arrangement the Warriors will accept. Open question: It also does not confirm how Barnett’s documented health concerns will factor into any final contract terms or playing time once a deal is announced. Documented: A decision on his future is expected within the next 48 hours.
Confirmed: The single piece of evidence that would resolve the central question is a formal contract confirmation from a club or an official club announcement accepting terms and compensation. If a club publicly confirms a signed contract for Barnett within the next 48 hours, it would establish which offer prevailed and which compensation pathway the Warriors and the acquiring club agreed to.
