“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.”
George told the Herald that while it will be disappointing to see Barnett depart, it was the best course of action considering the circumstances.
“He’s a very popular member of the squad and a great leader of our footy club,” George said.
“He’s just an outstanding leader, and he’s grown into that over the last few years with the opportunity here. He certainly is a is a man that you know everyone wants to play alongside of and um that’s why our fans love him as well.
“A lot of players sort of knew anyway, so at the end of the day we care about Mitch and his family and that’s the most important thing.”
George insisted Barnett is committed for the entire 2026 season and wouldn’t seek to leave during the campaign.
The Warriors will now begin to evaluate their options on how to replace Barnett, but his leadership and enforcer-like qualities will be hard to replace.
He made his NRL debut in 2015 with the Canberra Raiders, featuring in two games before joining the Newcastle Knights where he made a further 126 appearances.
Since joining the Warriors in 2023, he amassed 49 appearances and found career best form and in 2024 won the Simon Mannering Medal for the club’s Player of the Year. That form saw him make his State of Origin debut for New South Wales and his international debut for the Kangaroos.
In 2025, he was named co-captain alongside James Fisher-Harris, but was limited to just 11 appearances after tearing his ACL in a win over the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Barnett had been targeting a return in the Warriors’ season opener on March 6 against the Sydney Roosters, but George admitted a comeback between rounds two-four is more likely.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
