Nathan Brown backs new recruit Mitch Barnett to boost young Knights pack

THE Knights have been sweating on signing Mitch Barnett for more than a month and Nathan Brown reckons he has plenty to offer the side’s young pack.

MITCH Barnett spent the first 13 weeks of the competition frustrated at not being able to crack it for a spot in the strong Canberra forward pack.

So he has gone back to the future in a bid to kickstart his career.

Just a few days after linking with Newcastle in a mid-season transfer, the former Knights junior will make only his third NRL appearance when the cellar dwellers take on the Warriors at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.

An injury to St George Illawarra-bound back-rower Tariq Sims has opened the door for Barnett to instantly get another opportunity in the top grade after he made his NRL debut for the Raiders in 2015.

Knights coach Nathan Brown will also throw his other new signing, former Sydney Roosters centre Brendan Elliot, into the game with in-form centre Nathan Ross sidelined by a calf strain.

Like Barnett, Elliot was only released on Wednesday morning and will have just his second run with his new club on Friday to prepare for the Warriors game.

Mitch Barnett in action for NSW Residents earlier this year. Picture: Peter Wallis

The Knights have been sweating on Barnett’s release from the Raiders for more than a month with Brown believing last season’s NSW Cup player of the year had plenty to offer his side’s young forward pack.

He was confident earlier in the week both players would slot in effortlessly if called on.

“Both are first-grade ready,” Brown said.

“One of Barnett’s great attributes is he is a real competitor who won’t take a backward step.”