Selwyn Cobbo’s future at the Brisbane Broncos has been plunged into further uncertainty, as the club confirmed two key signings to bolster their stock of outside backs until the end of 2027.
Melbourne Storm flyer Grant Anderson will arrive at Red Hill ahead of next season, having scored 22 tries in 36 NRL appearances for the powerhouse outfit.
The 25-year-old has covered numerous backline voids, but remains stuck behind a juggernaut backline boasting representative stars Xavier Coates, Will Warbrick and Sualauvi Faalogo, as well as Nick Meaney and Queensland Maroons’ squad member Jack Howarth.
Grant Anderson will join the Broncos from the Melbourne Storm ahead of the 2026 season.Credit: Getty Images
“Grant is a great footballer with a proven ability at NRL level, and we’re confident he’ll be a valuable addition to the Broncos, both on and off the field,” Broncos football general manager Troy Thomson said.
“He’s been in excellent form and continues to show that he’s not only dependable, but also highly versatile across the backline.”
Thomson’s Storm counterpart, Frank Ponissi, said Anderson had made the most of every opportunity, from his time at Storm feeder club Sunshine Coast Falcons to becoming an NRL regular.
“We know he’ll give his all for Storm for the remainder of the 2025 season, and we look forward to his continued contribution,” he said.
Confirmation of Anderson’s signature, which had reportedly been in the works for several months, came on the same day the Broncos officially extended Josiah Karapani’s contract by two years.
The 23-year-old has been called into Brisbane’s line-up for the past two weeks – relegating Cobbo to the Queensland Cup – scoring four tries in the pair of triumphs to help get the club’s premiership tilt back on track.
“My family say there’s a massive difference since they last saw me, just my professionalism, my preparation and everything, and I know that’s been from the help of the staff and coaches,” Karapani said.
“I’m slowly finding my feet with this team … I want to be more competitive on the field and aim for that one goal, which is the premiership.”
Those recruitment moves have placed further stress on Cobbo’s career, having played for Wynnum Manly for the past three weeks.
The six-time Maroons star has been linked with moves to the Dragons and Cowboys, despite Broncos coach Michael Maguire’s hopes of retaining his services in the face of a daunting salary cap juggling act.
The signatures of Karapani and Anderson follow last week’s contract extensions for Adam Reynolds, Kotoni Staggs and Blake Mozer, with marquee men Payne Haas, Reece Walsh, Ezra Mam and Pat Carrigan already locked in on lucrative deals.
Broncos prop Corey Jensen said Cobbo had not dropped his head since being axed, despite the looming likelihood he will be forced out of Red Hill.
“He’s been really great, to be honest, everyone around here really loves Selly. What he’s going through at the moment, that’s just on him and what he has to get right for himself,” Jensen said.
“We’re all around him, and we support him, so whatever he has to do for him and his family is what’s best for them.”
Broncos hooker Billy Walters said Cobbo was “definitely in our top 17” players.
“He’s a special player, Selly,” Walters said.
“He’s got a lot more talent than I did, so I’m sure he’ll have no dramas finding his way back into the NRL and causing havoc again.”
