Newcastle Knights forward Mitchell Barnett

Barnett to bring 'intensity and passion' to Warriors pack

Barnett, 27, had a year to run on his deal with the Knights, but despite the club offering him an extension, he's decided to reunite with his former coach Nathan Brown on a three year deal with the Auckland club.

Barnett will play out the remainder of season with Newcastle once he returns from suspension.

He's currently serving a six week ban for an elbow on Panthers forward Chris Smith.