Mitch Barnett has finally secured his widely publicised move to the Broncos after the Warriors landed outside back Grant Anderson in return. Former Storm star Anderson has agreed to cut his stay in Brisbane short and head to New Zealand next season, in a move that opens the door for Brisbane to hand the off-contract Jesse Arthars an extension at the NRL premiers.
Barnett had already agreed a three-year deal to join the Broncos in 2027 after the Warriors granted him an early release on compassionate grounds. But Warriors chief executive Cameron George made it clear they wanted fair compensation from Brisbane in the form of a player swap before signing off on the deal.
The Warriors have agreed a player swap with Brisbane for Mitch Barnett (R) in a move that could allow Michael Maguire’s (L) Broncos to extend one of their off-contract stars. Pic: Getty
The Warriors had initially enquired about securing Broncos young gun Antonio Verhoeven as part of the trade but Brisbane rejected that proposal. They then turned their attentions to Anderson, who has only played two games for the Broncos after joining from Melbourne on a two-year deal from this season.
Anderson had to wait until Round 3 to make his Broncos debut before suffering a grade-three MCL injury in the following round that’s set to sideline him until at least Round 14. But his proposed switch to the Warriors was always dependent on the wishes of the player, with Brisbane unable and unwilling to force Anderson out when he was still contracted for next season.
Grant Anderson exit opens door for Jesse Arthars at Broncos
However, both clubs have now reached an agreement and Anderson will continue his NRL career in New Zealand next season after agreeing a three year deal worth a reported $1.2 million. Off-contract Broncos star Arthars could be one of the big winners from the trade, with the Broncos now in a position to offer the versatile outside back a new deal for 2027.
Jesse Arthars’ hopes of signing a contract extension with the Broncos will be boosted by the departure of Grant Anderson at the end of the season. Pic: Getty
(Chris Hyde via Getty Images)
Arthars was left out of the Brisbane squad that travelled to face Hull in the Club World Challenge. And he found himself out of favour under coach Michael Maguire to start the NRL season, before earning a recall in Round 5 as Anderson’s injury replacement against the Titans.
He was then thrust into the fullback role when Reece Walsh suffered a fractured eye socket in the same game. Arthars has impressed in the No.1 jersey in Walsh’s absence and will line up at fullback again in Saturday night’s clash with the Tigers. And with Anderson’s departure next season confirmed, he has a fresh opportunity to convince Maguire that he deserves a new deal for 2027.
“I am off-contract but I do want to stay at this club,” Arthars said. “I have been here for six or seven years now. I have a strong bond with the players in this team and I don’t want to go anyway. Hopefully I can get something sorted.”
Meantime, Warriors coach Andrew Webster has hailed the signing of Anderson, who’s set to join former Storm teammate Will Warbrick as another exciting addition to the New Zealand side in 2027. “Grant gives us depth among our outside backs and will certainly add to competition in the squad,” Webster said.
with AAP