LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Warriors are buzzing with excitement as Mitchell Barnett's stellar form has him knocking on the door for a potential State of Origin call-up, a feat the team hasn't achieved since Jacob Lillyman's Queensland tenure back in 2017.
Since making the jump from the Newcastle Knights to New Zealand two years ago, Barnett has embraced his new role as a front-rower, forming a dynamic duo with the powerhouse Addin Fonua-Blake.
With a tenacious spirit and a bulldozing playing style, Barnett has proven his worth on both ends of the field, ranking among the top players for contact metres and contributing to the Warriors' dominance in total run metres.
His defensive prowess has been a game-changer for the team, adding a new level of resilience to the forward pack alongside the likes of Tohu Harris and Wayde Egan, both strong contenders for the Origin spotlight.
As Barnett gears up for his 150th NRL match, Fonua-Blake has heaped praise on his teammate, acknowledging the hard work and dedication that have led to Barnett's recent success.
With their partnership flourishing, the Warriors are set to make some serious waves in the league, with Barnett poised to make a lasting impact in the Origin arena.