Warriors update the injury status of Mitch Barnett after his neck scare

Mitch Barnett, a new signing for the New Zealand Warriors, has been cleared of any major injuries after suffering a neck injury during the team’s 26–12 victory over North Queensland.

Running out in hot Townsville, Barnett was caught in a tackle by Gehamat Shibasaki in the 54th minute of the game, which resulted in the Cowboys outside back being placed on report. Barnett went down clutching at his neck. Even though Barnett was able to leave the pitch after the incident, pictures of him lying out on a stretcher with a neck brace before being taken to the hospital later that evening raised concerns.

The Warriors said in a statement on Sunday morning that the former Knight had been cleared of any major issues, despite the concerns regarding his health. “One New Zealand Warriors forward Mitchell Barnett has been cleared of a major neck injury and was able to fly home with the team today following last night’s 26-12 win over the North Queensland Cowboys in Townsville,” the team said in a statement. The 28-year-old Barnett was tackled by three North Queensland players in the 54th minute of the game, and he left the field in pain, clutching his neck and shoulder area.

“Referee Chris Sutton then placed Centre Gehamat Shibasaki on report. According to Andrew Webster, the head coach of the New Zealand Warriors, Barnett was admitted to the hospital Friday night as a precaution. “After receiving the all-clear on any fracture, he was released to rejoin the team. Webster reported that Barnett was up and moving around and walking freely this morning, even though he will be assessed further this week.

Shibasaki was not prosecuted for the tackle. The Warriors, who started the season 2-1 with their lone loss coming at the hands of the Sydney Roosters in a close game, are relieved as they try to build on their impressive start.