‘My off-field stuff probably didn’t suit it’: How Mitchell Barnett turned his career around to become the leading candidate to lead the Warriors

The Warriors have plenty of options to lead the side this season, but there’s one clear candidate who deserves it after a stunning 12 months.

There was a time when Mitch Barnett concedes his on-field and off-field behaviour “didn’t suit” captaining an NRL side, but the representative forward is now one of the leading candidates and keen to lead the Warriors in 2025.

Coach Andrew Webster has yet to settle on a replacement for Tohu Harris after he was forced to retire a few weeks ago, but he has no shortage of options with Kiwis captain James Fisher-Harris and former Warriors skipper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck also in the mix.

But Barnett has emerged as a genuine option after he led the team in their trial match against the Sharks on Friday, having also captained the side nine times last year when Harris was out injured.

Webster indicated last week that he was open to the idea of naming co-captains, and he now knows that Barnett is keen for the role after he survived some friendly fire last week that required stitches on his chin.

Mitch Barnett led from the front in the first trial game despite copping some friendly fire against the Sharks. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

“I’d never knock back the captaincy. It’s probably an ultimate goal of mine,” he said, with Barnett one of the best middle forwards in the world last year.

“There are great options here with ‘Fish’, Roger and other leaders. Whatever Webby wants to do, I’m happy with.

“I just want to win. I’ve got Webby’s back with whatever he decides because I’m all in.”

Leading the team wasn’t on Barnett’s radar a few years ago, especially when he was suspended for six matches for an off-the-ball incident against Penrith.

But he has matured greatly since he moved to New Zealand, with his form earning him an Origin and international debut last year.

“I never thought too much about it (captaincy),” he said.

“My off-field stuff probably didn’t suit it when I was younger, and neither did my on-field.

“Since coming here, I just naturally fell into it. There was a period where we had no senior players through injury. I was the last one left and thought I needed to stand up, so I took it upon myself.

“I was playing good footy at the time and had the confidence to do it. The boys backed me and I just sort of fell into it. I’m glad I did because I really enjoy the different role.”

James Fisher-Harris has lifted standards in his first few months at the Warriors. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

Things will look very different this year with Johnson and Harris retired, while reigning Dally M Prop of the Year Addin Fonua-Blake is now at the Sharks.

It’s why plenty of people are tipping them to struggle, but Barnett is excited about the squad in 2025 that includes 2023 Golden Boot winner Fisher-Harris, who has raised standards after his decorated career with the Panthers.

“I lose one quality front-rower and gain another, so there are no complaints. They’re two completely different players,” he said.

“He’s been the ultimate professional for us. I think he’s inspired a few of the younger boys and brought their professionalism up.

“He’s a leader and it’s great to have him. Our intensity has lifted at training because of him.”

Originally published as ‘My off-field stuff probably didn’t suit it’: How Mitchell Barnett turned his career around to become the leading candidate to lead the Warriors