Fresh injury blow for Warriors skipper Mitch Barnett two games after return from ACL layoff
Updated . First published at
Warriors captain Mitch Barnett is set for another stint on the sidelines just two games after returning from a lengthy ACL injury layoff.
Barnett came back from the serious knee injury in round three, playing in the win over Newcastle before lining up in the round four loss to Wests Tigers.
Images began to circulate online on Monday morning of Barnett wearing a sling, with the club since confirming he had suffered a broken thumb.
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The 31-year-old has undergone surgery, which will rule him out indefinitely.
Mitchell Barnett in action against the Tigers. Getty
It continues a whirlwind past 12 months for the NSW and Kangaroos front-rower, who played in last year's State of Origin series opener before going down injured.
Barnett has since opted to leave the Warriors at the end of this season due to personal reasons and will return home to Australia, signing with the Broncos for 2027.
Since his return from injury a fortnight ago, Barnett has averaged 102 run metres and 23 tackles per game for the Warriors - both times coming off the bench.
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Jackson Ford and James Fisher-Harris will now retain their front-row positions, with young gun Demitric Vaimauga in line to replace Barnett on the bench.
Andrew Webster's men will take on the Sharks in round five.
