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Is Barnett in your 17? 'He can value add to this side'

Grab a sheet of paper and write down your edges and bench for the nib Newcastle Knights.

Does Mitchell Barnett make the cut?

Well, according to Aidan Guerra anyone who doesn't think so is misguided.

Guerra believes the 2017 Danny Buderus medal winner should not be overlooked when considering the top 17.

With Barnett able to play backrow or lock, he's a valuable asset for the Club.

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"I think they are a bit off if they are not mentioning him in the top 17," Guerra said of Barnett.

"I've played alongside him for a year and played against him for a couple of years before that and I think what he can value add to this football side is going to do this Club justice in times to come."


Barnett admits his 2018 season didn't go as well as he had hoped.

The 24-year-old featured in 23 games last season but was disappointed with his form.

It's something he's addressing in 2019 and hoping to use the experience of some of the Club's newest signings to help elevate his game.

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"I didn't have the year I wanted to last year, which put me back a bit but I am really enjoying this pre-season so far and am really trying to make the most of it," said Barnett.

"Blokes like Tim Glasby and that are teaching me new things which I think has helped my game a lot so far and will continue to do but you see the professionalism that blokes like him come to the Club with and you sort of want to base your training and your lifestyle off.

"You really want to compete, especially against blokes like that."

With the likes of Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Guerra and youngsters Beau Fermor and Brodie Jones fighting for positions, Barnett is unsure of where Nathan Brown will play him this season.


An edge or lock, Barnett is flexible and focused.

"I am not too sure where I will be playing yet," he said.

"Either on the edge or the middle so I have been doing a bit of both and I could end up anywhere, so whatever the boss makes of it.

"There are a lot of blokes I am competing with and we are all competing against each other.

"It's going to be tough but I feel like I am doing everything I can possibly to put my best foot forward to put my hand up for that spot wherever it is in the team in Round 1."