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AUS v BAN live on SN ExtraFuture Warrior Anderson lifts lid on Broncos trade
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • August 13th, 2026 6:00 pm
Grant Anderson | Photo: Grand Anderson/Instagram
Grant Anderson will get an early taste of what awaits him this weekend when he lines up for the Broncos against the NZ Warriors at Suncorp Stadium - before joining the Kiwi club in 2027.
Anderson has opened up on how the move came about, revealing the Broncos allowed the Warriors to speak with him after Mitch Barnett’s impending return to Australia on compassionate grounds created a roster opening.
"It was obviously because of (Mitch Barnett) having to come back to Australia for family reasons, really,” Anderson told Sport Nation's Millsy & Guy.
Warriors prop Mitchell Barnett will join Brisbane after a player swap was secured | Photo: James Gourley/AAP
“The Broncos, out of goodwill, just gave the Warriors fellas a chance to have a chat to me and negotiate if I was to go over there."
As it turned out, coach Andrew Webster has been interested in approaching Anderson during his days with Melbourne Storm, prior to the Brisbane native signing on with his hometown Broncos.
“Webby and the Warriors have always had an eye on me over the last couple of years and they didn't know I signed for Broncos a year early.”
Anderson said the appeal of the Warriors went well beyond the chance to lock in a long-term deal, with Webster’s vision and the club’s direction playing a major role in his decision.
“His playing style and what he told me about the club and the culture and everything like that that's going on over there (was appealing).
"The will to win is something that I'm excited to get over there for.
“It's a long, long period of time that I can really settle into a club and lockdown a spot.”
Warriors coach Andrew Webster on replacing Mitch Barnett | Millsy & Guy
While Anderson has been named on the wing this weekend, he said Webster sees his future primarily in the centres.
The 26-year-old admitted centre is his preferred position, but said he is happy to do whatever job is required.
“They've got a wide variety of footy brains over there, so I'm privileged that I can play any position in the back line, but Webby sees me as a centre.
“At the end of the day, if the team needs me to do a job, I'll do a job anywhere.
“I do enjoy playing centre, but I just enjoy going out every weekend and putting on a jersey and giving it my all.”
Grant Anderson scored a try against the Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium in 2024 | Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
The 2027 recruit is also looking forward to experiencing the Warriors’ passionate fanbase from the other side of the ditch.
“Going over to New Zealand, I honestly don't know what to expect. But it seems like every time I've played over in NZ, it seems to be a sell-out down there at Go Media Stadium.
"I know they've got a big following over here in the Queensland bases as well."
Listen to the full interview below:
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