Roosters Beat Broncos and Knights to Sign Warriors Forward Mitchell Barnett for 2027 Season
SYDNEY, Australia – The Sydney Roosters have secured the signature of New Zealand Warriors forward Mitchell Barnett for the 2027 NRL season, emerging as successful bidders in a three-way race that also included the Brisbane Broncos and Newcastle Knights. Head coach Trent Robinson has moved to strengthen the club’s forward pack with the acquisition of the seasoned middle, who brings vital experience and hard-nosed grit to the Roosters’ engine room.
Robinson’s pursuit of Barnett underscores a clear strategic focus on building a forward rotation capable of sustaining the club’s long-standing success, with the Roosters targeting established talent to complement their existing core of experienced campaigners and emerging stars. The club faced stiff competition for Barnett’s services, with both Brisbane and Newcastle making strong offers, but the allure of joining one of the NRL’s most decorated clubs ultimately sealed the deal.
“Mitchell Barnett is a player we’ve tracked closely for some time – he brings exactly the qualities we value at the Sydney Roosters: relentless work ethic, physicality and a no-nonsense approach to the game,” Robinson said in a club announcement today. “Our strategy is to build teams that can compete for premierships year after year, and Mitchell fits that mould perfectly. We’re delighted to have beaten strong competition to secure his services and look forward to him joining our squad ahead of the 2027 season.”
Barnett, who has played over 180 NRL games across stints with the Newcastle Knights and Warriors since making his debut in 2015, expressed his excitement at joining the Bondi Junction-based club. “To be given the opportunity to play for the Sydney Roosters – a club with such a rich history and commitment to excellence – is a privilege,” he said. “I know the standards Trent Robinson sets and the culture he has built here, and I’m ready to work hard to contribute to the team’s success. The chance to play alongside some of the game’s best players was something I couldn’t pass up.”
Standing at 193cm and weighing 110kg, Barnett is renowned for his strong carries, effective defensive work and ability to control the ruck. His experience will be invaluable in the Roosters’ forward pack, where he will join established leaders and mentor the club’s promising young forwards as part of a long-term roster plan.
The signing follows a period of careful recruitment for the Roosters, who have focused on securing players that align with their culture and on-field philosophy. Barnett will join the club at the conclusion of the 2026 season, with the Roosters planning to integrate him into their systems during the pre-season to ensure he is ready to hit the ground running in 2027.
Leave a Reply