Barnett Returns To Starting Front Row For Warriors Vs Broncos

Warriors vs Broncos now carries a different front-row look. Andrew Webster will start Mitch Barnett and James Fisher-Harris together against Brisbane on Sunday, the first time that pairing has been used from the opening side in 2026. The move restores the Warriors' two co-captains to the starting pack for Magic Round.

Barnett Back With Fisher-Harris

Barnett has spent all four of his 2026 appearances coming off the interchange after a season that began with rehab from the knee injury he suffered last June. He then broke a thumb after his 50th game for the Auckland club against his old Newcastle Knights outfit, missed two games, returned, and later sat out another week under concussion protocols.

That run left Jackson Ford holding the No.10 jersey and, at times, carrying the full 80 minutes. Webster said the club never wanted that workload to be permanent. Barnett's return to the starting side gives the Warriors the front-row shape they wanted: Fisher-Harris with a passer in Erin Clark and Ford coming on to finish the game.

Webster's Front-Row Plan

“We always wanted to get Fish and Barney pairing up together, with a passer, which is Erin Clark. We always wanted Jackson Ford to come on and finish the game,” Webster said. He added, “We never intended to play Jackson Ford for 80 minutes each week,” and noted, “I think there have been three occasions when he hasn't played 80 this year.”

Barnett said the change came after Webster spoke to him about it. “He approached me and I just said yeah,” he said. “I feel for Jacko, he's been going really well, but I'm just here to do my role.” Barnett also said, “I've become a bit used to it, after last season, but it's good to be back,” and, “I'm hoping I can get a bit of a run going now and string some games together.”

Warriors At 7-2

Webster said the switch should also trim Barnett's workload. “The big fella, instead of playing 80 minutes, he might play 70 this week, so nothing really changes for him,” Barnett said. The Warriors were 7-2 at the time, and Fisher-Harris has been a regular presence in that start to the season.

For Sunday, the practical change is simple: Barnett is back in the opening pack, Ford moves into the impact role, and the Warriors take the field with the front row Webster wanted from the start.