Parramatta are interested in Mitch Barnett. Now at 33 in 2027 and coming off ACL, good idea? Having Paulo and De Belin being 34 and 36 respectively is it good to have that much age?
Ryles wants a Paulo replacement that can lead the forwards, Barnett is a year younger.
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He an asset, our young forwards are playing out of their skin because of De-Bellin & Paulo they are teaching them the way. It needs to continue with an experienced prop that will teach them how to be professional & mentally strong. No better than the NSW prop Barnett.
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 unless they don't believe these guys are ready.I'm expecting a lot from this young group of middles coming through that's our foundations.
If you'd have told me Barnett was available 2-3 years ago I'd be all over it but I'm cautious now and coming back after an acl I don't think I'd do it.But I guess others are involved in this chase so it decreases the chances of this actually happening.
Yeah he will go to Brisbane to try win a comp. Madge named him for Origin debut so connection there.
Would love to see Barnett at the Eels.
He's the closest player defensively to Beau Scott in the current game (imo), and those players are so few are far between.
They are so valuable to the defensive line & structure.
The balance between youth & experience looks far better in 2026 than 2024, imo.
Plus that Barnett level experience, especially rep experience, is as valuable to a team off the field as on it.
Just opinion.
Omg NOS just read your beau Scott comment after I posted below. Great minds hey ;)
Haha... You know it, Mace.
Does his recent ACL injury concern you at all NOS?
You say having older heads is a big concern, too many can be. We have Paulo and de Belin already. If we already know de Belin is not here in 2027 then yeah Barnett would fit in nicely.
Hey LB, how have you been?
If he was a 30+ year old outside back, absolutely, and although it's obviously not ideal, less concerned with middle forwards.
Also less concerned with age in general than most LB, believe age is less important than other personality traits (mindset, competitiveness, dedication) within reason - and as long as the balance is there, of course.
Players are also fitter / stronger than they've ever been. I thought Paulo's 2025 was his best season in a long time.
Josh Papalli is another, he is still making an impact at 35/36? for the Raiders, and was fantastic for QLD. Slater spoke about the difference he made in the dressing room / preparation, the confidence he instilled in the team.
Those experienced players that lift other players around them, and make the team in general a better side. Not every 30 year old is the same genetically, or athletically, or professionally (how they prepare physically), just like not every 22/23 year old is.
Barnett may not be that guy, but like Beau Scott, comes across as a bit of a pack leader, a competitor, with some fear factor / mongrel.
Like Kaeon would've, feel Barnett would make us a much stronger team, and would back Ryles to know.
Or could be very wrong, just opinion LB.
NOS you legend i have been living, how about yourself. Fair enough, hey hope i am wrong myself.
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