A club's most important addition doesn't always come from the transfer market.
Sometimes, it's the player already on the roster, one returning from a long injury layoff, refreshed and ready to contribute immediately.
As the 2026 NRL season approaches, several high-profile players loom as “like new recruits” for their clubs.
4. Mitchell Barnett (Warriors)
Mitchell Barnett's value has always extended beyond raw statistics.
Since arriving at the New Zealand Warriors, he's become a leader through aggression, professionalism, and competitiveness.
A State of Origin Blues representative for New South Wales, Barnett brings versatility across the middle and edge.
When fully fit, he routinely produces high tackle counts, strong involvements and momentum-shifting defensive efforts, traits the Warriors sorely missed during his absence.
Having played just 11 games in 2025, the return of a well-rested Barnett next season is almost certain to strike fear in opposing forward packs.
