Newcastle Knights back-rower Mitch Barnett has signed a new contract to extend his deal with the NRL club until 2023.

Aussie Barnett, who has been named as the club’s best player twice in the last three seasons, has added three years to his current deal, which was due to expire at the end of 2020.

The 25-year-old scored seven tries and three goals in 2019, while making 735 tackles and running 1719 metres.

Barnett played 21 out of a possible 24 matches this year, missing the other three through suspension as the Knights eventually finished 11th in the NRL ladder.

Having previously played for the Knights in his junior years, Barnett rejoined the club in 2016 from Canberra Raiders.

He has made 75 appearances for the club since then, scoring 15 tries and three goals for a total of 66 points.

The Knights will confirm the news at 4pm on Wednesday.