NSW Blues, Warriors dealt cruel blow as scans confirm ACL rupture for Mitch Barnett

NSW and the Warriors have been dealt a cruel blow after scans confirmed Mitch Barnett will miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury.

Barnett was an integral part of the side's win in the State of Origin opener and was on back-up duties on Sunday afternoon in the 36-30 win over South Sydney.

Mid-way through the first half, the hard-working front-rower landed awkwardly while attempting to make a tackle on Jayden Sullivan and immediately clutched at his leg.

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"Mitch Barnett hasn't moved," Steve Roach said on Fox League.

"It doesn't look real good here for Barnett. It's a shock when that sort of thing happens. A bit of a twist and you think the worst, but he's up on his haunches now.

"He's as tough as teak. He won't want to leave the field."

Barnett was down for more than a minute as one of the club's trainers attended to him, before eventually limping off behind the dead-ball line and letting out an expletive.

It was since been confirmed that Barnett has suffered an ACL rupture and won't play again this year in a devastating blow.

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While his club side will fill the void from within, Blues coach Laurie Daley may need to look outside his initial squad for game two in Perth.

Keaon Koloamatangi has been in tremendous form this season and was enormous once again for the Bunnies in their loss in round 13.

"I know it's only early, but if he didn't play, I know a player who could and is in good form - Keaon Koloamatangi," Braith Anasta said on Fox League at half time.

"In that first half, he came up with that barnstorming try and has been great for Souths." 

Koloamatangi played one Origin game in 2023 but hasn't featured since.

Stefano Utoikamanu and Terrell May will also be in the mix to play for NSW.