Brisbane have landed their replacement for Payne Haas, beating a host of rivals to sign Mitch Barnett on a two-year deal with an option for a third.
The 31-year-old was granted a release from his Warriors contract on compassionate grounds and will depart at season’s end, leading to a multi-club bidding war.
Parramatta threw enormous money at the NSW and Kangaroos prop, while the Dragons and Sea Eagles had also expressed interest in Barnett.
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But it was Barnett’s relationship with Michael Maguire from their time together in State of Origin camp that proved the difference for the reigning premiers.
Barnett’s agent Gavin Orr told the Herald there were family reasons behind the decision.
Warriors forward Mitch Barnett. Getty
“Ultimately, it came down to family and the connection that Mitch’s wife has with her brother in Brisbane,” he said.
“That fitted well into what they want to do with the rest of their life in moving back to Australia. At the end of the day, it didn’t come down to money.
“They were great offers from Parramatta and Manly. Mitch got to speak to all of the coaches before making his decision.
“He didn’t make it lightly – he did plenty of research on all the clubs.”
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The deal is reportedly worth an estimated $700,000 per season with a mutual option for a third year that could be worth up to $800,000 for the representative enforcer.
Barnett has played 177 first grade games with the Raiders, Knights and Warriors, while also featuring at State of Origin and international level in recent years.
He is expected to make a return from an ACL injury in the coming weeks.
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