Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett sidelined from NRL season indefinitely

Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett is set for another lengthy stint on the sidelines.

The inspirational prop had only just returned from a serious knee injury in the round three NRL win over the Knights.

Now Barnett has broken his thumb during the round four loss to the Tigers and has undergone surgery.

The Warriors haven’t determined a timeline for his return with a typical recovery period for the injury ranging from four to six weeks.

The 31 year-old is in his last season with the club, having signed for the Brisbane Broncos in 2027 after being given permission by the Warriors to depart early due to family reasons.

The Warriors are interested in receiving wing Grant Anderson as compensation from the Broncos for Barnett,. according to multiple reports.

But the 26 year-old is also currently sidelined with injury, set to miss 10-12 weeks with a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury and fractured tibial plateau in the weekend’s win over the Dolphins.

The Warriors have already secured former All Blacks Sevens star and current Storm wing Will Warbrick on a three-year deal from next season.

He replaces Roger Tuivasa-Sheck who’s departing for UK Super League club Wakefield Trinity.

The Warriors have their first away game of the season this weekend against Cronulla in Sydney on Sunday.