Rugby League

Barnett sidelined after second game back from injury

Mar 31, 2026

The Warriors' Mitch Barnett. — The Warriors' Mitch Barnett is facing more time out due to a thumb injury. -AAP Image

Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett faces another stint on the sidelines after breaking his thumb in his second game back from a serious knee injury.

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The Warriors have not determined a return-to-play timeline for Barnett, who has undergone surgery on the injury he suffered in Friday's loss to Wests Tigers.

Earlier in the season, Sydney Roosters hooker Reece Robson took a month to recover from his own broken thumb, while Parramatta winger Josh Addo-Carr bounced back inside three weeks.

Barnett's latest setback came only a week after he returned from a nine-month lay-off with the anterior cruciate ligament injury he suffered in June.

It's a frustrating setback for the NSW forward, who now faces a race against the clock to reiterate his State of Origin credentials.

A four-week lay-off would leave Barnett with only two games before teams are picked for the series opener, given the Warriors have the bye in round 10.

The Warriors had sat atop the ladder prior to the shock loss to the Tigers but face Cronulla on the road in round five for the chance to recover.