Kangaroos forward Mitch Barnett has labelled his move to New Zealand the turning point in his career as he prepares to take on the Kiwis in his adopted home country.
The prop made his international debut in last week's victory over Tonga, capping a rapid rise to State of Origin and Australian honours since joining the Warriors in 2023.
Barnett's move across the Tasman came after a turbulent time in Newcastle and he acknowledges he had to mature on and off the field before he could reach his potential.
"I've always believed I was good enough to make it but I knew I had a lot of things I had to tidy up on and off the field," Barnett said. "I had to move out of Newcastle and come over to the Warriors.
"The whole club and coaching staff have backed me and believed in me. They've given me the confidence to work hard and tidy up those things to get to where I am. They're the main things I've done but [I've known the ability's] always been sitting there."
Kangaroos v Tonga XIII – Week 1, 2024
Barnett's stint in Newcastle was punctuated by a six-week suspension for elbowing Penrith's Chris Smith in 2022.
The incident itself wasn't the trigger for the Taree product to turn his career around but he credits it for confirming he needed to get out of his comfort zone and make a fresh start in New Zealand at a new club.
The birth of his two sons played a key role in his growth and maturity, while the Warriors culture has allowed Barnett to flourish.
Few could have predicted in two seasons he would have captained the side and represented his state and country.
In that time, Barnett has developed into one of the most popular players in the Warriors squad but he will be public enemy No.1 at a sold-out Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday evening.
The forward will face off against multiple club teammates, including retiring halfback Shaun Johnson and Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, and a future teammate in the form of James Fisher-Harris.
Kangaroos forward Angus Crichton has no concerns about Barnett's ability to handle the big stage, having watched him thrive in his NSW debut in a Game 3 decider at Suncorp Stadium earlier this year.
"He goes after every player that's across from him," Crichton said. "That's the way he plays.
"He was on fire in Origin and being around the boys, he thrives in these team environments. He brings everyone together, is a character and loves a good time. He trains hard and has a good time off the pitch. I love playing with him and can't wait to run out with him again."
Barnett with a tough carry
Barnett followed up his outstanding Origin debut with a dominant performance in his first appearance in a Kangaroos jumper.
The prop was one of Australia's best, running for 123 metres in a powerful effort off the bench last Friday night.
Barnett has drawn on previous experiences when stepping into the representative arena and is confident that will hold him in good stead on Sunday afternoon.
"I've got here through hard work and experience," he said. "I've been around a while now and have a good group of guys around me to help [me settle in].
"[Origin] helped a lot and playing in a prelim last year helped with that as well. I've been around the traps for a while so I know what I'm expecting and I'm looking forward to the challenge."
