'I'll never forget': Mitch Barnett's emotional goodbye to Warriors fanbase

Outgoing co-captain Mitch Barnett is hailing the support of the Warriors fanbase as he prepares to depart for Brisbane.

The prop’s four-year tenure at the New Zealand club ended with the 12-10 loss to the Knights in the NRL finals at Eden Park.

It caps off an influential stint for Barnett. He won the 2024 Simon Mannering Medal, became Warriors skipper alongside James Fisher-Harris last year and won State of Origin selection for New South Wales the last three years in a row.

In 2026, Barnett overcame an ACL injury to help the Warriors record their most successful regular season in history, finishing second on the ladder with 18 wins.

The 32-year-old announced at the start of the campaign this would be his last in Auckland. Barnett is returning to Australia because one of his children needs specialised medical care.

Visibly shattered, Barnett said he is disappointed to have ended his time at the Warriors with another NRL finals loss.

“It’s been emotional, man. Some people saying some nice things about me in there, like that’s been hard, but yeah, just very grateful for the opportunity I’ve had at this club and the people in it.

Mitchell Barnett of the Warriors reacts after the side's loss to Newcastle. Photo / Brad Roberts

“I just feel so many people that have done so many things for me and my family, especially of late when we’ve needed them, so I just really appreciate everyone.”

Barnett told The Big League Podcast he is particularly attached to the Warriors supporters.

• Fans who threw bottles at referees could face significant sanctions, NRL says
• 'Unacceptable': Eden Park boss vows to track down fans who pelted referees with bottles
• ‘Don’t want to feel this pain again’: Webster reacts to Warriors’ NRL exit
• 'Just be excited': Warriors v Knights – all you need to know for NRL semi-final
• Booze, jerseys and a Swede: All aboard the Wahs Express

“I’ve had so many people, so many fans say so many nice things about me and my time here. It’s been overwhelming the support I’ve had here.

“I played for Australia down in Christchurch a couple of years ago, and we were the away team, obviously. Coming off the bench, I’ll never forget the cheer I got. I know they might have been wearing black jerseys that day, but they’re Warriors fans. They’re a great fan base, and they’re the best in the comp.”

Fisher-Harris paid tribute to Barnett.

“Obviously devastated we couldn’t get the job done for him and the other boys that are leaving the club. But it’s been really, really good to get to know Mitch on a personal level.

“We admire each other’s work and how we go about our business, and it’s been really cool to be co-captains alongside each other, just growing together in that space.

“Definitely going to cherish our moments that we had together and what we got to do throughout the year and how fun it was. We’ll have a couple of days to chat to each other and enjoy some moments.”

James Fisher-Harris has paid tribute to fellow co-captain Mitch Barnett. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport

Barnett said he has definitely grown as a person and a player since joining the Warriors.

“People like Webby [coach Andrew Webster] and Cam George have had a massive impact on my life. Just really helped me every day. It’s just been a special journey. I came over with my wife and my eldest son, and we grew our family here and my second son. It’s just a special part of my life; I just can’t put into words how special it is to us.”

Barnett admits the Eden Park result is one of the more crushing moments of his playing career.

“I think that’s why it’s so hard to put into words. You’re closing the book on this journey when I definitely wasn’t preparing to.”

When asked about his pride in his tenure at the Warriors and all they achieved this season, Barnett said it is hard to talk about.

“It’s something I’ll reflect on one day, but just for the time being I don’t think it’s time to be reflecting on anything like that. Just want to get around each individual that’s had an impact on my time here and thank them and talk to them. I’ll look at that stuff later.”

The result was marred by three controversial officiating decisions late in the contest. It saw disgruntled Warriors fans pelt the referees with cans and bottles as they exited the field.

Centre Leka Halasima was the Warriors’ standout performer, scoring both the team’s tries despite playing with an injured hamstring.

Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.