The pair will be on the same side this week as True Blue Burton has been named on Maguire’s extended bench for the deciding Origin game at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.
Barnett also had a linebreak, a try assist, five tackle busts, five offloads and made 56 tackles against the Bulldogs.
“It’s pretty hard to ignore that but I think he’s been doing that week in and week out,” Maguire said on Monday after naming his starting 17 last night.
“To be honest his selfless way of being around camp – all the boys will really enjoy having him in the team.
“In our first game he literally flew over for the birth of his child (son Zane) and then flew back again. So the commitment was there of what the jersey means to him.”
Barnett’s elevation to the bench means Manly Warringah Sea Eagles back-rower Haumole Olakau’atu becomes one of the three emergency players.
“Mitch has been playing really well and I just feel he can cover a bit more in the middle for us,” Maguire said.
“Either player – Haumole or Mitch – are definitely great players but Mitch Barnett has earned his opportunity. That will allow Liam Martin to stay there on the edge.
“For Haumole he said ‘Whatever is best for the team’ and he’ll come in and train with us and be ready if needed.”
The other change to the 17, who won Game Two in Melbourne 38-18, is Newcastle Knights centre Bradman Best for the injured Latrell Mitchell (foot).
