Newcastle Knights star Mitch Barnett says it was an easy decision to extend his contract with the NRL club.

The highly-rated back-rower, who has been named as the club’s best player twice in the last three seasons, has extended his current deal until the end of 2023.

Barnett, 25, played 21 out of a possible 24 matches this year, missing the other three through suspension as the Knights eventually finished 11th.

“The wife and I sat down a few months ago now, a decision was made, and we are fortunate enough to be in this situation,” Barnett told the club website.

“All my mates are here, my wife and I are settled here and that’s it. It was an easy decision.”

Barnett is also looking forward to working under new Knights head coach Adam O’Brien.

“With the new coach coming in, it’s exciting times ahead,” he said.

“A lot of hard work to be done, but I think we can really have a successful year and that’s exciting.

“I’ve had a couple of conversations with him now and he’s always been up front and honest with me, on the first day he was here he told me that he wanted me.”

Barnett says he has multiple goals for 2020, but isn’t looking too far ahead.

“If I can just get there round one and put some good form out, that’ll be my first goal ticked off right there.”

The Knights are also searching for a new football director following the resignation of Brian Canavan.

The former NRL administrator leaves after one year in the job.

The announcement came just hours after the confirmation of Barnett’s new deal.