LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Brisbane Broncos are under scrutiny regarding their signing of Grant Anderson from the Melbourne Storm and the status of Kotoni Staggs' contract extension.
Reports from last November indicated that Anderson had committed to the Broncos until 2026, a move confirmed by Storm coach Craig Bellamy in April.
However, the Broncos have yet to officially announce Anderson's signing.
Coach Michael Maguire has repeatedly expressed his desire to retain both Selwyn Cobbo and Staggs, with Staggs' new contract rumored to be nearly finalized.
Nonetheless, the lack of official confirmation has led to speculation about both players' futures.
The Broncos face significant salary cap pressures, raising the possibility that one of the two could be released.
Cobbo has been linked to potential moves to NRL expansion teams in Papua New Guinea and Perth, where he could serve as a marquee player for the new franchises.
Meanwhile, Staggs is reportedly in discussions about a new deal valued at $2.4 million over three years, yet the contract has not been submitted to the NRL.
This uncertainty has caused apprehension that either Staggs or the club may have reservations about proceeding.
With the impending addition of Anderson and the emergence of Gehamat Shibasaki as a reliable first-grader, the Broncos could contemplate offloading both Staggs and Cobbo to alleviate financial burdens.
Neither Anderson nor Shibasaki, along with Jesse Arthars or Deine Mariner, would carry hefty contracts, potentially freeing up funds to enhance the team's forward pack.
Improving the back-row is a pressing need for Brisbane, given the struggles of players like Jordan Riki, Brendan Piakura, and Kobe Hetherington.
The unfolding situation around Staggs and Cobbo may significantly impact the Broncos' roster and strategic direction moving forward.