Devastating season-ending setback for Barnett

Worst fears of a serious knee injury have been confirmed for inspirational One New Zealand Warriors co-captain Mitchell Barnett.

Scans today revealed he suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture in his right knee in yesterday’s round 13 NRL clash against the Rabbitohs in Sydney.

The injury happened when Barnett - playing his 49th game for the club - was involved in a tackle with teammate Chanel Harris-Tavita on South Sydney’s Jayden Sullivan in the 21st minute of the contest.

Barnett will meet specialists in the coming days to determine a timeline for surgery.