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'It's pretty raw at the moment': Webster calls Warriors to arms after brutal Barnett injury blow
Stephen Foote • June 5th, 2025 10:00 am
Mitch Barnett | Photo: Photosport
Coach Andrew Webster admits it's been a difficult few days at the Warriors' Mt Smart headquarters in the wake of the devastating blow of the loss of talismanic co-captain Mitch Barnett.
Forced to depart early during the win over the Rabbitohs on Sunday, the team's worst fears were confirmed when Barnett was diagnosed with a ruptured ACL that will bring his 2025 season to a premature end.
In the midst of another outstanding campaign, the Australian was fresh off powering a dominant NSW forward pack to an emphatic victory over Queensland in the State of Origin opener, continuing the momentum from his breakthrough 2024 season into a resurgent early run for the Auckland-based side.
"It's pretty heartbreaking, but Barney's been grateful for all the well-wishers he's got, particularly from his teammates and all around the world," Webster said.
"We're gutted, because he's such a good player, but there's optimism that somebody gets to stand up and take his spot and it's a challenge for the whole group."
With scans having confirmed the grave extent of the injury, Barnett will now await for it to stabilise before undergoing surgery.
Warriors will test depth without Mitchell Barnett | Running It Straight
With the team now preparing to face the Cronulla Sharks on Saturday, he's quickly shifted into what Webster believes will be a critical off-field role for the remainder of the team's year - an area his coach is confident he'll still be able to make a considerable impact on the squad.
"He was really good at training yesterday with his leadership stuff and talking to the boys about what they have to do next was very impressive," Webster said.
"He's very frustrated and emotional about it, but sometimes life's not fair. We're all gutted for him, but he's a tough cookie, Mitch.
"He's started that role already, mentoring and helping people. I think you'll find he initially needs to get his knee to the point where the operation can happen and we'll have to let him go for a little bit, then he'll start his rehab process and come back around the boys.
Mitch Barnett & Andrew Webster | Photo: Photosport
"It's pretty raw at the moment, but we all know Mitch has a pretty good footy brain and loves mentoring people, so we'll just get a bit more of that, which is pleasing."
In Barnett's absence, Jackson Ford has been promoted to the for their trip to The Shire this weekend to slot in alongside James Fisher-Harris in the front-row.
Ford impressed in his 59 minutes off the bench against South Sydney, making 155 metres from 15 runs and 37 tackles, even laying on a surprising try assist with his grubber kick for Rocco Berry.
Also providing reinforcements upfront in Barnett's absence will be Tanner Stowers-Smith, who proved his mettle during his first-grade debut in the win over the Knights in Christchurch over ANZAC weekend.
But Webster stressed the job of "replacing" Barnett would come down to a committee approach, where every player needs to raise their own individual bar.
Gello isn't nervy about the Warriors in close games | Running It Straight
"You can't try and be Mitch, or say we've all got to do extra," he said. "Once you start doing that, you start failing at your job - everyone's just got to do their job better.
"Whatever your job description is as a player, you have to make sure you improve at that, rather than trying to add workload or different stuff to your game. Everyone agrees with that.
"If you try and be Mitch, it won't work out. Everyone's just got to be themselves and find their own way to improve."
Stand-out new recruit Erin Clark echoed his coach's sentiments.
"He's been around the club and he's in good spirits," lock Erin Clark said. "We'll definitely miss his hard-nosed footy, his aggression and work ethic, but we're looking forward to the person who gets to step up and wear the jersey next to us.
"No-one has to do anything more, maybe just do our job better, now that Barney's out.
"He's definitely a smart footy player and, no doubt, he'll sit around with the coaches and help dissect other teams, and help us middles get better."
The Warriors will try to make it back-to-back wins when they take on the dangerous but wounded Sharks this weekend, who'll be desperate to shake off their 42-16 demolition at the hands of the Roosters.
