Mitch Barnett greets Warriors fans at Suncorp Stadium. Photo: NRL Photos/Photosport
Warriors v Dragons
Kickoff: 7.30pm Saturday, 10 May
WIN Stadium, Wollongong
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NZ Warriors co-captain Mitch Barnett is literally counting the days - and press conferences - until running mate James Fisher-Harris returns from injury.
Since the NZ Kiwis skipper left their game against Melbourne Storm early with a pec (chest) strain, Barnett has had to carry the captaincy responsibilities alone, inspiring his team to three straight wins, as they carved out a spot in the NRL's top three.
"I'd prefer if [Fisher-Harris] was there, but it's not new to me," he said. "I enjoy it a lot more with him around, that's for sure."
Barnett has warmed to the task and performed it admirably, but he can see his cohort slowly returning to fitness on the side of the training field - and he's keeping score.
One of the duties that doesn't come naturally to Barnett is facing the media after every game and often midweek. He can't wait to share that particular chore with Fisher-Harris again.
"I've tallied them all up, mate, and he's ready to go."
To his credit, Barnett has proven himself far more talkative than his partner, who exudes mana from every fibre of his being, or predecessor Tohu Harris, who was a deep thinker that used words sparingly.
"He's a bit more vocal than Tohu, but like Tohu, he leads with his actions," five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita said. "As much as he talks at training or during games, he's always doing the little things right that not many people want to do and that's why he has the respect of the whole team.
Mitch Barnett willed his team to tense victory over North Queensland Cowboys. Photo: NRL Photos/Photosport
"Fish has been a big loss for us in the leadership, but I think Barney has really progressed as a leader. It's similar to last year, when we lost a few players and went through a period when we were down on troops, but Barney really stepped up through that tough time.
"It's the same now and it's good that we're getting results off the back of it."
Barnett remains a man of deeds, but concedes he's had to adjust.
As the Warriors grimly hung onto their tenuous winning margin over the closing moments against North Queensland Cowboys last weekend, he could be seen throwing himself at wave after wave of opposition attack, willing his team-mates to follow. Barnett finished with a game-high 46 tackles.
"I've always wanted to lead that way and I feel like that's when I play my best, going with my actions," he reflected.
"Now I've had to add some detail in conversations, and talk in behind tries and that sort of thing. I feel like I've come a long way, but I've always wanted to be an actions-first guy."
When Barnett first signed with the Warriors in April 2022, he was serving a six-game ban for an ugly, off-the-ball forearm hit on Penrith counterpart Chris Smith. In the midst of their worst-ever season and already struggling with discipline, bringing another "bad boy" to the club didn't seem like a great idea.
At the time, current Warriors coach Andrew Webster was still a Panthers assistant and he saw something different in the Newcastle Knights renegade.
"When I got the job, I started watching him closely," Webster recalled. "I just couldn't believe his work ethic and how hard he tried, and I thought he was going to make a big impact.
"When I rang him and spoke to him on the phone, I couldn't believe how much he cared about the team and how much impact he had, and I thought that was leadership straight away."
Barnett, 31, admits he probably wasn't ready for captaincy, when he arrived at Mt Smart.
Mitch Barnett addresses media at NRL season-opener in Las Vegas. Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com
"I came over here, not wanting to be a leader, but just to work on myself, to grow as a player on and off the field as well.
"When Tohu was out for a period last year, I thought it was time to step up in my career and did that. I thought it suited me a little bit, but I've still got to work on it a lot.
"I fell into it, wasn't looking for it and I'm glad I did."
Stepping into the captaincy and leading by example, Barnett caught the attention of others across the Tasman, earning a well-deserved State of Origin call-up for New South Wales and, ultimately, the Kangaroos.
"I had sort of given up on Origin last year, and just wanted to play good footy, represent the Warriors well and win for them," he said. "It just fell into place, because I was playing good footy, so I'm going with a similar mindset.
"If you're playing good footy, they'll pick you up. For us to win games, I need to play good footy and so does the rest of the team.
"If my name gets called out, I'll be going hell for leather for them [NSW]. I loved that opportunity last year, loved being in camp… it was awesome, but right at the moment, I'm focused on the Dragons this weekend."
Webster hinted Fisher-Harris was close to selection this week, but missed the final squad cut.
That means at least one more post-game press conference for his captaincy buddy - and another added to the ledger for Fisher-Harris' seemingly imminent return.
