New Zealand Warriors co-captain Mitchell Barnett will return to Australia at the end of the season for personal reasons.
In a statement this morning, Warriors chief executive Cameron George announced the 31-year-old Kangaroos and New South Wales front rower will be released from the final year of his contract.
“We’re very sad to see this happen but Mitch and his family need to be back home,” George said.
“He has become such a big part of our club. We love having him here and we know how much he loves it, too, but it’s important he, Clare and their boys are back around their family support network."
The Warriors open their season with a game against the Sydney Roosters at Mount Smart Stadium a week on Friday. Should Barnett play it will be his 50th match for the Warriors.
Barnett, who is 23 games away from a 200th NRL appearance, had knee surgery last year.
The Warriors, who placed sixth last year and were knocked out in the elimination final by the Panthers, have lost both their pre-season games to the Sea Eagles and Dolphins over the last fortnight.
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