Four teams in the race for hottest prop on the market

Barnstorming front rower Mitchell Barnett is set to decide his future within days with up to four NRL sides competing for his signature.

The Parramatta Eels are the latest team to have entered the bidding, reportedly tabling a $2.6 million offer that would see Barnett earn roughly $860,000 per season until the end of the 2029 campaign.

Brisbane had earlier emerged as the frontrunner for the Warriors forward after reportedly offering a two year deal worth around $1.5 million. However, Parramatta’s late move has added a new twist, with the St George Illawarra Dragons and Manly Sea Eagles also said to be in the mix.

The Newcastle Knights were also interested in Barnett's signature, but are no longer considered in the running.

Barnett has already confirmed he will return to Australia at the end of the season after being granted a release by the Warriors on compassionate grounds so he can be closer to his family.

“It hasn’t been an overnight decision,” Barnett said on Sky Sports’ Ford League Lounge with Shaun Johnson.

“I will be going back to Australia at the end of the season but I am still here this year and keen to rip in. I want to go out on a high note.”

The 177 game NRL veteran, who has represented New South Wales in back to back State of Origin series, believes the value he brings to a club extends beyond highlight moments.

“My game is not pretty. I do all the small efforts and all the things that people don’t see really well,” Barnett said.

“I pride myself on trying to be tough and I’d love to see that continue down through the generations.”

Barnett has been recovering from a ruptured ACL which ruled him out for the second half of last season and the opening rounds of 2026, but the veteran forward says he is ready to return.

“I’m just ready to go. I don’t care what round it is, who it is, I’m ready to go,” he said.

“I’ve been ready since before Christmas. I’ve ticked some things off that I needed to do with my knee.”

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