Blues debutant Mitch Barnett missed the birth of his son – to help his NSW teammates
NSW debutant Mitchell Barnett said he felt an “obligation” to make the most of his call-up to Michael Maguire’s squad, missing the birth of his second child to stay back and help the Blues earlier in the State of Origin series.
Barnett, who will be the eighth NSW player to debut under Maguire this year, admitted he’ll have a “good story” to tell one day after not making it back to New Zealand in time for the delivery of son Zane - six days before game one.
Barnett had been drafted into Maguire’s extended 20-man squad for the first two matches of the series, but will replace Haumole Olakau’atu in the 17 for the decider at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday night.
Maguire was aware of the sacrifice Barnett made to be with the Blues for the opening game. After staying with the team, his flight back to Auckland didn’t land in time to see partner Clare give birth.
“I had to leave camp and tried getting back for the birth and missed it,” Barnett said. “I was able to help my wife and son get out of hospital, get them home and get them settled.
“It was planned [birth], but I had an obligation and wanted to help the boys. I trained here and then got on a flight knowing I’d miss it. It was an opportunity here I had to take being the first time selected in the group. It will make for a great story one day.”
NSW Blues debutant Mitchell Barnett with newborn son Zane.Credit: Instagram
Barnett spent a portion of Monday checking on the status of a passport application for Zane, with the family hoping to fly the newborn over to Australia for the forward’s first Blues cap. It’s hoped Zane will attend the game with two-year-old brother Nate.
“That’s our group we’ve got here,” Barnett said. “All the boys sacrifice things and the fans probably don’t see what NRL players do on a daily basis in terms of sacrifice. They move away from family. It’s a short career, so you’ve got to make the most of it.”
The 30-year-old might have been forgiven for thinking his Origin opportunity had passed, but he’s been in outstanding form for a struggling Warriors side this season.
The ex-Knights enforcer will join Bradman Best - recalled for the injured Latrell Mitchell - as the two changes from the NSW team which demolished Queensland in game two at the MCG. The Blues are trying to win their first series decider at Suncorp Stadium since 2005.
Asked how hard it was to leave the Knights for the Warriors, Barnett said: “Extremely tough. But I needed it. I knew I needed it and I just didn’t want to leave. The fans were so good to me there, my family was comfortable there … it was hard.
“I’ve got so many good mates there I played with, and schoolmates, it was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever made. But I’m so glad I did. I’m here today because of it.
“I’ve got a good group of boys around me at the Warriors and a coach [Andrew Webster] that believes in me. A lot of things have changed, and I know I was injured last year, but this year I’ve had a bit of luck with injury, touch wood. Things have fallen into place for me.”
Barnett will join a bench including Isaah Yeo, Spencer Leniu and Connor Watson in Brisbane, with Maguire to have the option of using the veteran either in the middle or on an edge for Angus Crichton or Liam Martin if they require a break.
“Playing on the edge is a lot of my career and it’s only recently I’ve moved into the front row,” Barnett said.
“My versatility, I’ve pretty much done that since I came into the NRL. Having a lot of knowledge around the positions [helps]. I’ve got a good group around me at the Warriors that helps me slot into them.”
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