Broncos star emotional over Warriors move – “I didn’t want to leave”

Brisbane Broncos and New Zealand Warriors are experiencing very different seasons.

The Wahs are enjoying a memorable season and sit third. It has been the complete opposite for the Broncos who are currently second last.

A poor ’26 campaign by Brisbane has the club’s hierarchy revamping their squad for next year. There are a number of big names exiting the club at the season’s end.

One departing star is Grant Anderson. He has spoken about signing for the New Zealand Warriors in 2027 and how the move came about.

The 26-year-old centre has been with the Broncos since the start of the year. He joined the club following four seasons with the Melbourne Storm, but he is going to be on the move again after just one year at Suncorp.

The Auckland-based team looked to bring someone in from the Broncos, and Anderson was that man.

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“I was contracted until next year at the Broncos and had no intention of leaving,” said Anderson. “But the Mitch Barnett situation, with his family matters and he wanted to leave.

“So the Broncos made a play for him, and the Warriors wanted someone in return. The Broncos let them (the Warriors) have a play at a few players, including myself.

“I got to speak to Andrew Webster, a few people over there and my family. I didn’t want to leave the Broncos, but with the circumstances of my career right now and what the Warriors are doing moving forward, it matched up well.

“It was mutual with the Broncos. It wasn’t like I was forced out the door. I get to link up with my mate Will Warbrick next year at the Wahs, and I’m pretty excited.

“My brother said to me, he said, ‘You’ve got to play for Melbourne, you’ve got to play for the Bronx, and now you get to go and play for the Warriors.’

“I’ve gotten to play for three powerhouse clubs and three very passionate fanbases, so I’m pretty excited. But I have a job to finish here at the Broncos.”