Eels interested in Barnett

Replies

Mathew Clarke February 24, 2026 at 7:30pm

I think putting money into someone else who is in there late twenty's would be better. 34years old is a bit too old.
- LB > Mathew Clarke February 25, 2026 at 6:54am
  
  He would be 33 next year. But yeah.
Clintorian February 24, 2026 at 7:46pm

Did you see what happened to NSW in Game 2 without Barnett? The forwards got destroyed even with Haas in the team. He is an absolute defensive gun and definitely someone to look at to replace Paulo.
LB February 24, 2026 at 7:48pm

I reckon he goes to Brisbane. Madge connection, close to home as well.
- Clintorian > LB February 24, 2026 at 8:41pm
  
  Yeah, with Haas gone they will have the money.
- Muttman > LB February 24, 2026 at 9:22pm
  
  Home is Taree. Parra is closer.
  - LB > Muttman February 24, 2026 at 9:41pm
    
    Lol media reporting Titans, Knights and Broncos and all close to home 😂
Eels95 February 24, 2026 at 9:26pm

If we want him we'd be a pretty good chance. We have cash and are in the market for an experienced rep middle. 32 isn't ancient. He is the current starting prop for nsw. The acl is a risk but one worth taking I believe.

Broncos obviously have Broncos dollars and still are seen as in a premiership window. However, no Haas and Reynold's really brings them back to the pack. A big start to the year for us might be crucial in swaying Barnett.
- fake midget pseudoachondroplasia > Eels95 February 25, 2026 at 1:09am
  
  You say 32yo isn't ancient but he would turn 34 only 1 month into his first season if we sign him for 2027. Also plenty here said Koloamatangi wasn't worth a 5 year risk despite a 5yr contract seeing him through to age of 33 or 34.
  
  With the young forwards coming through who have speed, size, skill and endurance now, I don't think we need to get into a bidding war for him. If he falls in our lap like Beau Scott of course you would take him otherwise plenty of young forwards will emerge far cheaper with players like Williams and Hopgood to lead the pack after Jnr and JDB retire to bring through our young forwards.
  - LB > fake midget pseudoachondroplasia February 25, 2026 at 6:59am
    
    He will be 33 next year, that is my thinking. We are looking for a Paulo replacement yet are looking at someone who is a year younger? No denying his talent, he is an incredible player and if we don't have de Belin next year then yeah he would be great though. Yeah 33 is not ancient but it is still getting to the twilight of a career.
    
    If we signed him i would not be fully against it. At least Keaon would have been turning 29 in his first year with us, so still a few good years of his prime.
    
    You are right though, many here did say 4 years was too much for Keaon as he would be 32 by the end of his deal. But 33 year old Barnett who would more likely get a 3 year deal is fine?

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"If he joined us he would be 32 in November and then turning 33 a month and a half into the season. Sign him for 2 years and he is 34 when he retires. Take the risk and offer 3 years and he is 35 for the last year of his deal.
I'm not saying he is…"

"Like the player don't like the age of the player though imo this is Custers last stand.We've got enough experience in our pack id just extend Jnr and call it a day.What I wouldn't do is put a road back ahead of Tuivaiti Moretti Brown Talagi and co…"

"He might if the money was right. If the initial year was big and the CO year even bigger, why wouldn't he? As you say, he's still in demand. If we didn't activate the CO, it's likely he would have other offers."

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