The Brisbane Broncos are making headlines with their latest transfer coup, having reportedly secured the signature of Grant Anderson from the Melbourne Storm. The outside back is set to join the Broncos at the start of the 2026 NRL season, marking a significant addition to Brisbane’s roster. Anderson has been a rising star in the NRL, emerging from relative obscurity to play a more prominent role for the Storm over the past two seasons. His performances during the 2024 campaign showcased his potential, as he stepped up to fill in for Xavier Coates on the wing, delivering consistent and impactful contributions.
In total, Anderson featured in 14 games for Melbourne in 2024, where he impressed fans and critics alike by crossing the try line eight times. His combination of speed, agility, and finishing ability made him a valuable asset for the Storm, but they have been unable to secure his services beyond the conclusion of his current contract in 2025. According to reports from News Corp, while Melbourne were determined to retain him until the end of his deal, the Broncos have managed to lure Anderson away for the 2026 season on what is believed to be a two-year agreement. Although the official announcement is yet to be made, this signing is already being hailed as a strategic win for Brisbane as they look to bolster their squad.
Anderson, 25, is a versatile and experienced player with 24 NRL games to his name. Hailing from Fremantle, he has built a reputation as a reliable performer who can deliver under pressure. His impending move to Brisbane, however, has raised speculation about the future of one of the Broncos’ most high-profile players, Selwyn Cobbo. Cobbo’s position within the team has been a topic of considerable discussion, particularly in light of the Broncos’ ongoing salary cap challenges.
The Broncos’ salary cap has been under scrutiny following a series of big-money deals for several marquee players. The club recently added veteran halfback Ben Hunt to their ranks, signing him from the St George Illawarra Dragons on a lucrative two-year deal worth over $500,000 annually. Hunt’s arrival adds to an already star-studded roster, which includes top earners like forwards Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan, as well as rising star Reece Walsh, who recently extended his contract on improved terms. Additionally, Kotoni Staggs is reportedly set for a significant contract upgrade in the near future, further stretching the Broncos’ financial resources.
In this context, retaining Cobbo, a State of Origin representative, may prove challenging despite the public backing he has received from new head coach Michael Maguire. Maguire has expressed his desire to keep Cobbo at the club, but financial constraints and the emergence of rival suitors could complicate matters. Since November 1, when players off-contract at the end of 2025 became eligible to negotiate with other teams, it has been reported that at least three clubs have expressed interest in securing Cobbo’s services.
Adding another layer to the intrigue, there are suggestions that the Broncos are considering moving Cobbo back to the wing for the 2025 season. This potential shift would open the door for Deine Mariner, a promising young player who has come through the ranks as a centre, to occupy his preferred position in the starting lineup. Cobbo, who has long expressed his ambition to play fullback, may find the move back to the wing a contentious issue as he evaluates his long-term future with the club.
Maguire has addressed the situation, emphasizing the need to find the right balance for the team while recognizing Cobbo’s versatility. “Selwyn is potentially a wing option, yes,” Maguire said in comments reported by News Corp. “Sel can definitely play on the wing and at centre at a high level, so I need to look at the balance of the team. With the wingers in this day and age, they play a different style.
“Selwyn is a good-sized body and he is pretty handy at bringing the ball back, so I’m working out at the moment the best way to go with Selwyn. Deine Mariner is an option at centre. He has plenty of growth in him as well. The importance of the back three (fullback and two wingers) these days is huge. You have to get back upfield as quickly as you can. The back three get your sets going, so I’m mindful of that with Selwyn.”
Maguire’s comments underline the strategic importance of the back three in modern rugby league, an area where the Broncos have struggled in comparison to their competition. Last season, Brisbane’s backline came under fire for its inability to consistently generate metres, a stark contrast to the Penrith Panthers, who have dominated the league in recent years. The Panthers’ back five consistently average high metres per game, setting the standard for what is required to compete at the highest level.
For Cobbo, the possibility of being moved back to the wing may be seen as a step away from his ultimate goal of becoming a fullback. While he has yet to make a formal decision about his future, the combination of positional uncertainty and external interest from rival clubs could play a pivotal role in his next move.
The arrival of Grant Anderson in 2026 adds an extra layer of complexity to the Broncos’ roster decisions. Anderson’s versatility and proven track record make him a valuable addition, but his signing could signal that the club is preparing for life without Cobbo. As the Broncos navigate this challenging period of squad management and salary cap constraints, the coming months will be critical in shaping the team’s trajectory for the future. For now, all eyes remain on Cobbo and the decisions he—and the club—will need to make in the weeks ahead.