The Brisbane Broncos have added more depth to their squad for 2015 with the signing of exciting front-rower Mitch Garbutt for the next two years.
At 115 kilograms and 190 centimetres, Garbutt will also add plenty of size when he joins the club at the end of the 2014 NRL season.
Garbutt will be a Bronco until at least the end of the 2016 season after agreeing to a two-year deal to leave the Melbourne Storm.
At 25 years of age– the age when front-rowers are generally starting to find their best form – Garbutt is a long-term prospect for the Broncos.
He is a valuable acquisition, said coach Anthony Griffin.
"Mitch will add some depth and some size to our squad next season," said Griffin.
"He is coming to the right age as a front-rower and has the best football of his career in front of him.
"I’m sure he will fit in well at the Broncos and his addition will complement the other talent we have in our group of forwards."
Garbutt has played nine NRL matches with the Storm and was respectful to his current club when announcing his intention to join Brisbane.
He has been performing solidly in the Intrust Super Cup for Storm feeder club Easts Tigers, but has now set his sight on breaking into the Broncos’ top 17 permanently next year.
"The Broncos are a really professional club and I'll do the hard work necessary to get into the side," Garbutt said.
"There are some great players at the club so I can learn a lot there."
A junior from the Newcastle Wests club, Garbutt made his NRL debut for the Storm in Round 14 last season.
That match came against the Knights, ironically the team that represent the region he was recruited from.
