Why Barnett chose the Broncos over Newcastle homecoming

Brisbane-bound prop Mitch Barnett has revealed how close he was to rejoining old side the Newcastle Knights before an offer from Michael Maguire convinced the Origin forward to join the Broncos.

In February, Barnett secured a compassionate release from the Warriors to return to Australia to be closer to family amid his son’s health battles.

A return to his former club in Newcastle seemed likely for the Warriors’ co-captain, however, following Payne Haas’s signing at the Rabbitohs, the Broncos were in the market for a big-name forward.

Barnett had previously worked with Michael Maguire in NSW camp back in 2024, earning his Origin debut under the now Broncos coach, and it was thanks in large part to this relationship with Maguire that Brisbane landed the 32-year-old.

“I was keeping all options open, and… firstly, I was thinking probably Newcastle was going to be the best fit, but it didn't really turn out,” Barnett told SEN 1170 Afternoons.

“I was already interested, and when I got the call from Madge (Maguire), I was grateful, because obviously having him in the Blues camp and stuff like that, I owe a lot to Madge.

“It was just funny how it worked out.

“I gave the clubs that I thought were good for my situation an opportunity, and I just sort of talked it over what was going to be best for my family, and having family in Brisbane that can help us in that situation was probably the deciding factor, and obviously that relationship.

“You're grateful for that opportunity next year and like I said, I'll probably worry about that more once the season's over, but, for now, I'm just looking to do my best for the Warriors.

“(I) obviously had a personal situation develop over a period of time… the club were helping me through it and it just sort of eventuated.

“The club sort of helped me make (the decision), in a sense… we didn't really know when the right time was, but they wanted to bring it to a head before the season started, so I could try and narrow my focus to perform well for the team, which was the right move in the end.

“The reason for Brisbane (is) my wife's family is there.

“I've got a relationship with Madge and the club itself so, that's sort of the nuts and bolts of it.

“For the time being, I'm looking to leave New Zealand on a good note.

“Obviously, we’ve had a great start to the season, and I just want to contribute to that and worry about next year when it comes, but I'll be looking forward to it once the season's over.

“(The Warriors) are awesome.

“It's the people in it at the top. Mark Robinson, the owner, and then, Cam George, the CEO, they lead the way in terms of good people, they'll do anything for you.

“Through to everyone in the front office and even the coaches, like everyone's unreal to me and my family there.

“It's a great club.”

Barnett has eased his way back into the Warriors’ forward pack this season after coming off an ACL injury that finished his 2025 season prematurely.

Between James Fisher-Harris and Dally M leader Jackson Ford, Barnett leads a fearsome forward pack that sees the Warriors sitting in second after seven rounds, with goals to return to the Origin arena if coach Laurie Daley comes calling.

“I'm always keen to contribute to New South Wales,” Barnett said.

It's probably not something that's on my mind as such at the moment. I'm just looking to play really good footy for myself and for the team at this stage, and that stuff takes care of itself.

“But, like I said, I had that sort of taken out of my hands this time last year with my knee, and I'll be doing everything I can to get back there.

“For now, I've just got to focus on actually playing good footy, and that will take care of itself.”