The Newcastle Knights will release Mitchell Barnett at the end of 2022 as the two-time Danny Buderus Medal winner joins NRL rivals the NZ Warriors next season.
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Barnett had one more year to run on his current contract.
The Knights released this statement on Tuesday.
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"The nib Newcastle Knights have agreed to release Mitchell Barnett from the final year of his current contract, allowing him to take up a multi-year deal with another NRL club at the end of 2022.
"Barnett's management requested approval to negotiate with other parties.
"The Newcastle Knights granted permission based on the exceptional service Barnett has given to the club and the respect he has earnt since joining the Knights in June 2016.
"Barnett has a remaining year on his current contract and 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.
"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."
Barnett, sidelined with suspension at the moment, has played 117 NRL games.
The Taree-born 28-year-old joined the Knights in 2016 after starting his career in Canberra.
Barnett links with former Knights coach Nathan Brown at the Warriors, where he's signed a three-year deal.
The NZ clubs also released a statement on Tuesday.
"The Warriors presented me with an opportunity to further my game," Barnett told Warriors media.
"I have personal goals of playing representative football and I am also looking forward to working with Brownie again.
"The Warriors impressed me on and off the field which made my decision easier."
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Josh Callinan
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
My name is Josh Callinan and I'm a sports journalist at the Newcastle Herald. I started with the newspaper in 2016 after a decade at the Maitland Mercury.
