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The Warriors claim Mitch Barnett’s season-ending knee injury in the win over the Rabbitohs was not the result of State of Origin fatigue.

Scans confirmed the team’s co-captain ruptured the ACL in his right knee during their 36-30 NRL win over South Sydney on Sunday.

The 31-year-old will meet specialists in the coming days to determine a timeline for surgery.

Barnett played in the opening State of Origin fixture for New South Wales against the Blues last Wednesday, backing up in the NRL just four days later.

Warriors chief executive Cameron George told The Big League Podcast the injury will not change their thinking around allowing representative players to back up the following weekend.

“I wouldn’t for one second think this is a State of Origin issue. Out of the 34 players that played on Wednesday night, I think 30-odd backed up. We take a lot of care and responsibility with the preparation and recovery.

“I wouldn’t put State of Origin anywhere near what happened on Sunday.”

George said the injury was down to a freak collision rather than fatigue.

“We have a lot of people around State of Origin and the club that are very responsible and professional in what they do. At the end of the day, this is something that happens in rugby league; we understand that.”

Barnett leaves a leadership void, with fellow co-captain James Fisher-Harris to assume the full responsibilities as skipper.

George has faith in their depth.

“All the players will get together and they’ll find a way forward. That’s really important for us and we’ve seen that happen throughout many games this year, so onwards and upwards in that regard.

“He is a great leader of our footy team, but our young guys and everyone else will step up.”

The Warriors visit the Sharks in Cronulla on Saturday.