Fight For Barnett's Signature Heats Up As Eels Join Growing List Of Candidates

The Parramatta Eels are set to join a pack of suiters vying to secure the signature of NSW and Kangaroos front-rower Mitch Barnett who will depart the Warriors set up at the end of the season.

Barnett (31) was released from the final year of his contract in 2027 in order to move back to Australia where his child needs advanced medical treatment.

After sitting on the sidelines for the best part of the 2025 season with a ruptured ACL, Barnett will likely his 200th game this season as well as his 50th for the One New Zealand Warriors.

The Brisbane Broncos emerged as an early favourite to sign Barnett in the wake of the news of Payne Hass' departure, so too the Newcastle Knights. The Manly Sea Eagles are also rumoured to be in talks with Barnett and his management.

Buoyed by a stack of cash delivered from long time rivals Melbourne Storm over the Zac Lomax saga, Jason Ryles confirmed the Parramatta Eels are interested in the services of one of the games premier prop forwards.

"Yeah, [he's] certainly someone we would potentially look at," Ryles told media on Tuesday.

"He's an origin forward. I think that's an area of our roster that we can certainly improve, or strengthen is probably better word. I think us, like many clubs, will obviously be looking at that space."

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