SUSPENDED Knights back-rower Mitch Barnett will depart the club at season's end after signing a multi-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors.
Barnett, who was contracted at the Knights until the end of 2023, has taken up a three-year offer after Newcastle agreed to release the rugged forward from the final year of his contract.
Talk of a possible future at the Nathan Brown-coached Warriors emerged last month after Barnett copped a six-game ban for his high shot on Penrith forward Chris Smith in round three.
The Warriors said on Tuesday that they had been granted permission to talk to Barnett "five weeks ago", seemingly contradicting comments Knights CEO Phil Gardner made to the Newcastle Herald on April 1 that he had given no such approval.
But in their own statement Tuesday, the Knights said they had granted Barnett's management permission to negotiate with the Warriors "based on the exceptional service Barnett has given ... and the respect he has earnt" since joining the club from Canberra in mid-2016.
"The Knights offered an extension into 2024. However, both parties have agreed the decision to accept the other offer is the right decision for Mitch, his wife Clare and newborn son Nate," a Knights' statement said.
"The Knights would like to wish 'Barney' and his family all the very best for the future, with everyone agreeing to make the remainder of 2022 a fitting farewell to a great clubman."
The two-time Danny Buderus Medal winner, who hasn't played since his send-off in round three and can't return until round 10, hopes the move enhances his career.
"The Warriors presented me with an opportunity to further my game. I have personal goals of playing representative football and I am also looking forward to working with Brownie again," the 28-year-old said in a Warriors statement.
Barnett's departure announcement comes as the Knights are trying to lock in captain Kalyn Ponga's future and controversial mid-season recruit Anthony Milford prepares to join the club.
Originally from Wingham, Barnett has played 115 games for the Knights over seven seasons, in addition to his two Raiders appearances.
Once his current ban ends, he will have spent 22 games on the sidelines since 2013, including in the lower grades, due to suspensions.
Twelve of the 22 games he will have been sidelined for have been since joining the Knights.
Barnett admitted after his recent judiciary hearing a need to alter his trademark aggressive approach.
"I obviously do with my record," he said after copping the six-match ban.
"I will go away and look at that now and make the necessary adjustments."
The Warriors said they had been hoping to recruit Barnett for "some time" and believe he can add "power and experience" to their forward pack.
"We couldn't be happier to have a player of Mitch's proven ability on board from next year," Warriors general manager of football Craig Hodges said. "He has been on our target list for some time as we look to boost our pack.
"He brings a level of intensity and passion which is going to be a real asset for us."
Barnett has averaged 104 metres and 33 tackles a game in his stint with Newcastle and ironically made his Knights debut against the Warriors.
He has been enticed to join the New Zealand franchise by the man who brought him to Newcastle, former Knights coach Nathan Brown.
Barnett becomes the first player Brown has recruited from the Knights since departing the club at the end of the 2019 season.
Barnett joins fellow back-rower Marata Niukore (Eels), centre Dylan Walker (Sea Eagles) and halfback Luke Metcalf (Sharks) as the Warriors' key 2023 recruits.
"Once we were given permission to negotiate with Mitch five weeks ago, we couldn't wait to get him across the line," Warriors CEO Cameron George said.
"It's exciting for our future knowing we have not only Mitch but also Dylan Walker, Marata Niukore and Luke Metcalf coming on board.
"They're adding quality depth to further strengthen our squad."
