The Warriors have got their man.

Just over a month on from losing co-captain Mitch Barnett to the Brisbane Broncos, the Warriors have landed the player exchange they wanted, confirming utility back Grant Anderson will join the club from next season.

Anderson, 26, has signed a three-year deal to trade Brisbane for Auckland, and will link with the Warriors from 2027 onwards.

Capable of playing in the centres and on the wing, Anderson has accrued more than 50 matches’ experience in the NRL, including a half-century for the Melbourne Storm – scoring 23 tries – before moving to the Broncos at the start of this year.

This season, injuries have limited Anderson to just two appearances, both times playing on the wing in victories over his former club the Storm and the Broncos’ Brisbane rivals, the Dolphins.

“Grant is an accomplished outside back who has plenty to offer,” Warriors head coach Andrew Webster said.

“He gives us depth among our outside backs and will certainly add to competition in the squad.

Grant Anderson has signed for the Warriors from Brisbane on a three-year deal. Photo / Getty Images

“We’ll also benefit from the professional attitude he’ll bring after four seasons with the Storm and now being part of the Broncos this year.”

While not a like-for-like replacement, Anderson’s signing allows Barnett to complete his move back to Australia after requesting a release from the final year of his contract earlier this year.

With the Warriors boasting plenty of depth in the forwards, the club’s attention turned to the backline, where Anderson was identified for his versatility.

Earlier this month, it was reported the Warriors had been offered Kiwis centre Matt Timoko, but turned down the chance to complete the signing to focus on Anderson.

What’s more, Anderson’s arrival comes as the Warriors’ backline undergoes a major refresh.

As well as his signing, the Kiwi club has also landed New Zealand international Will Warbrick from the Melbourne Storm, boosting the outside-back stocks, with Roger Tuivasa-Sheck having signed for English Super League side Wakefield Trinity.

Winger Alofiana Khan-Pereira has also joined for 2026 onwards, and made his debut in last week’s victory over the Storm.

In the centres, Anderson’s versatility complements Adam Pompey, Rocco Berry and Ali Leiataua, regular fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad having also played there in recent weeks.

Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.