Broncos land Haas replacement in Mitchell Barnett

The Brisbane Broncos have won the race to sign the hottest player on the market with Mitchell Barnett reportedly agreeing to a deal that could see the front-rower at Red Hill until the end of 2029.

Barnett has notified the Warriors of his move and is set to sign a two year contract with the Broncos with an option for a third in a deal worth $2.4m, according to Code Sports.

The move comes after Barnett was released from the final year of his contract on compassionate grounds to return closer to his family on the NSW north coast where his child will recieve medical treatment.

Brisbane fended off interest from the Dragons, Parramatta, and Manly to secure the signature of the 31-year-old prop. The Warriors are seeking compensation to release Barnett from the final year of his contract, which sees him currently earning around $800,000 this season.

Parramatta are likely to be the most put out by the news having tabled a $2.6m offer for three years earlier this week.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire flew to Sydney last week to meet with Barnett, a player he debuted at NSW Origin level in 2024. Their longstanding relationship was a key factor in Brisbane securing the prop ahead of other suitors.

“He’s a great character and obviously my style of player,” Maguire said after the meeting. “I talk to a lot of the players that I’ve coached over time, and he’s one of them.”

While the Brisbane deal represents a slight pay cut for Barnett, he will join a premiership-calibre squad with no shortage of stars such as: Reece Walsh, Pat Carrigan, Ezra Mam, and Kotoni Staggs.

Barnett ruled out several clubs based on location but is understood to be comfortable relocating to Brisbane, a 90-minute flight from his hometown of Taree.

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