“When he talks, everyone listens”: Warriors turn to new captain Barnett to lead pivotal final stretch

One NZ Warriors coach Andrew Webster admits he was still basking in the afterglow of his beloved NSW Blues triumph in the State of Origin decider, when he arrived at Canberra airport to collect Mitchell Barnett and Kurt Capewell on Thursday.

The pair arrived directly from Brisbane to prepare for a rapid turnaround to take the park for the Warriors' critical clash with the Raiders on Friday night, having had understandably contrasting post-match experiences in the Queensland capital after what has been widely labelled one of the great matches in the sport's history.

But Webster insists there was no sign of a hangover in the man they call 'Barney', who was one of the best Blues players on the paddock in his Origin debut, nor was there any brand of ribbing of his teammate Capewell, who was on the wrong side of the ledger in the Maroons jersey.

"One's obviously celebrated, and one's obviously commiserated," Webster told SENZ's The Run Home.

"But they're obviously in good spirits and they're looking forward to getting back with the team this arvo.

"They've obviously got a lot of respect and get along, so Barney hasn't been bragging to Capey. He's been pretty good."

Unofficial rugby league custom suggested you're not truly an Origin player until you've backed up on short turnaround, and that's precisely what both Barnett and Capewell will attempt to do against the Green Machine in what shapes as a must-win fixture.

Both have been confirmed as part of Webster's final gameday 17 although, after Wednesday's bruising contest, Webster says he'd have been totally sympathetic had they chosen to allow their battered bodies to recover for an extra week.

"Honestly, the way they played I would have completely understood if they would have got back on the first plane to Auckland today and just had a rest," he said.

"But them being the great players they are, they want to come down here, get a massage, get some medical, get some recovery done and then see how they go for tomorrow."

And with Tohu Harris having conceded to a season-ending surgery on his troublesome wrist, Barnett's presence has now become all the more valuable.

He'll likely don the captain's armband for the final seven rounds of the season, as the Warriors try to battle their way into the top eight to clinch a finals berth, with a margin of error of slim to none.

Barnett's last outing as captain as part of the run-on side was back during the win over the Dolphins in Auckland in round 12.

Webster says the team has responded well to Barnett's no-nonsense style of leadership, which is predicated on letting his actions on the field set the example for his teammates to follow.

"He cares so much about the result. He cares about the team. He leads with his actions, I think we've all seen that," said Webster.

"What he did at Origin level he's been doing every week at club level.

"When he talks, everyone listens because they know what he's saying he's willing to actually go out and do.

"He's been great for our team and during some tougher periods this year he's stood up."

The Warriors will have to contend with an equally desperate Raiders side on what's certain to be a chilly night in the Australian capital, where the hosts are riding a four-game losing streak.

They sit just one spot above the Warriors in 11th on the NRL ladder, looking to bounce back from their defeat to the Newcastle Knights last weekend, while the Warriors - fresh off a bye - will be equally eager to wash the bitter taste of their heartbreaker against the Bulldogs out of their mouths.

Webster expects a highly physical forwards-based battle against the Raiders, who will be out to avenge their 18-10 defeat to the NZ side in Christchurch back in round three.

They'll be buoyed by the return of some key players, including half Jamal Fogarty, who hasn't featured since tearing his bicep back in round seven.

"They start really well. They're aggressive and we know they're going to come after us," he noted. "They've got a couple of big ins in their team that haven't been playing for. We're expecting a really tough physical battle early.

"If you look at our game against the Bulldogs, the amount of ball in play at the moment is that crazy that you've got to be willing to do it for 80."

SENZ will have live commentary of the NZ Warriors vs Canberra Raiders from 9.30pm Friday (NZ time) – available on the SENZ app and all New Zealand frequencies.

Listen to the full interview below: