The future of Mitch Barnett is back in the spotlight. With the former Knights forward granted leave from the Warriors for family reasons, speculation is mounting about where he’ll land next season. Rugby league journalist Barry Toohey joins the show to reveal why the Knights’ interest appears lukewarm — despite calls from club greats Kurt Gidley and Lachlan Fitzgibbon to bring him home.

We unpack Barnett’s preference to return to Newcastle, the salary cap hurdles, and the strong interest from Brisbane and Parramatta. Plus, Barry breaks down the Knights’ impressive Las Vegas season opener, Fletcher Sharp’s injury timeline, and runs through his full NRL Round 1 tips — including Storm v Eels, Broncos v Panthers, and Dolphins v Rabbitohs.

We also touch on the Newcastle Jets’ surge to the top of the A-League ladder and whether they can keep their momentum against the Wanderers.

All the latest rugby league news, sharp analysis, and bold predictions in one episode.