Huge news broke on Tuesday that Warriors and NSW Blues prop Mitchell Barnett will be leaving the club at the end of the 2026 season.
The monster middle was having a career best start to the season in 2025 before an ACL ended his year in horror circumstances.
He will return to the Warriors, hopefully as soon as Round 1, but now fans face the unfortunate scenario of knowing he is moving at seasons end.
Barnett needs to be closer to home to care for his child.
Being he is from Taree, this rules out the likes of the cashed up Perth Bears.
Where will Mitch Barnett end up in 2027 I hear you ask? Well, there won't be any worries re potential suitors, with nearly every club in the competition likely to be on alert following the announcement.
Here are five potential landing spots for Mitchell Barnett for 2027:
2. St George-Illawarra Dragons
The Dragons have chased every major middle forward who has been off-contract.
I guarantee you they'll chase Mitch Barnett with every single resource at their disposal.
The Dragons boast some of the game's best forward prospects. Toby Couchman looks an Origin prop in the making.
Adding the experience and talent of a Mitch Barnett would be worth its weight in gold for Couchman, the club and its fans.
I don't know the Dragons salary cap situation but I would assume there is money available. There has to be! They've chased co many players.
As for a spot? Barnett walks into that side, in whichever position he likes.
The Dragons NEED to make the mother of all plays at Barnett.
Whether or not he can be convinced is another story altogether, but the Dragons need to leave no stone unturned in chasing one of the games elite middles.
