The Newcastle Knights have confirmed Mitchell Barnett will be able to join the New Zealand Warriors from the start of the 2023 NRL campaign after agreeing a three-year deal.
The Knights are priced at 4/1 to finish in the top eight of the NRL this season and Barnett will be looking to go out on a high.
Barnett was under contract for the 2023 campaign and the Knights also offered him an extension to take him through the 2024 season.
However the prop forward was keen to complete a move to the Warriors and the Knights have granted him an early release from his contract.
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"Barnett's management requested approval to negotiate with other parties," Newcastle said in a statement. "The Newcastle Knights granted permission based on the exceptional service Barnett has given to the club and the respect he has earnt since joining the Knights in June 2016.
"Barnett has a remaining year on his current contract and the Knights offered an extension into 2024. However, both parties have agreed the decision to accept the other offer is the right decision for Mitch, his wife Clare and newborn son Nate."
The move gives Barnett the opportunity to reunite with former Newcastle coach Nathan Brown and he is looking forward to joining the Warriors.
"The Warriors presented me with an opportunity to further my game," Barnett said. "I have personal goals of playing representative football and I am also looking forward to working with Brownie again.
"The Warriors impressed me on and off the field which made my decision easier."
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