Richie Barnett

Did You Know?

• Barnett has said that ME/CFS was the reason for his retirement.
• In July 2015, he described himself as 80% recovered.
• He is the face of the Associated New Zealand ME Society (ANZMES).

Playing career

While playing in New Zealand, Barnett was selected for the New Zealand Māori side in the 1992 Pacific Cup. He joined the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks in 1994 and was chosen for New Zealand at the 1995 World Cup the following year. He represented New Zealand in the 1996 Super League World Nines tournament and played at fullback for the Kiwis in the 1997 ANZAC Test, also appearing in the 1997 Super League World Nines. Barnett moved to the Sydney Roosters for the 1998 season and was selected for the 1998 New Zealand rugby league tour of Great Britain, playing fullback in all three Tests and scoring two tries. In 1999 he was chosen for the Rugby League Tri-Nations tournament and captained the Kiwis in the final, a 22–20 loss to Australia. His 2000 season was cut short by a facial fracture sustained during the 2000 ANZAC Test, but he recovered to captain New Zealand from fullback at the 2000 World Cup. Nathan Cayless succeeded him as captain. After his NRL career, he played for the London Broncos in the Super League until 2002 and later Hull F.C. in 2003–04.