Broncos recruit Grant Anderson knows he has a challenge on his hands to break into Brisbane’s stacked backline, but he’s no stranger to working hard for every opportunity.
His first goal will be to earn a ticket on the plane to England as part of Brisbane’s World Club Challenge squad, with the side to take on Hull KR in the February 19 match.
Signed from the Storm last season, Anderson gained a reputation as being a reliable performer no matter what position he played in, even being named their most improved player at the club’s end of season awards.
He scored 11 tries in 24 matches but could not force his way into Melbourne’s grand final side, watching on from the sidelines as his new teammates ran down his old ones in an epic decider.
“It is not just the back five but the boys sitting on the sideline as well,” Anderson said.
“There is a lot of talent there and that's just the luxury we have. We want to win (the comp) again and we are all going to be needed.
“(Coming to the Broncos was) just the opportunity to grow my game and play with the calibre of players here (which) really excites me.
“It is the chance to learn in another system and hopefully my game can go to another level.
“I don't think I have to change too much (to earn a place in the side), just be yourself and try your best.
“If it falls in line for you and you put your best foot forward, you might get rewarded.
“It's just about keeping your head down and keep working hard to try to play in the NRL. That is what I will keep doing.
“It is a whole new vibe for me. My time in Melbourne I was grateful for, but here in Brisbane I am loving life.”
Equally adept at centre or wing and also capable of playing in the halves, Anderson is counting on his utility value to earn him a spot
“It is a question for the coaches, wherever they say they need me to go I will do my best,” Anderson said.
“(My preferred position is) in the 13 somewhere.
“(I am not here to play reserve grade). You are not training every day if you want to play reserve grade. That is not just me.
“That is all the other boys here as well. I am not the only one in that boat. We all want to play NRL and put that Broncos jersey on.”
Brisbane’s squad for the World Club Challenge are set to depart in early February to ensure they are well settled before the ‘world title’ match, but players still remain in the dark on who has secured their ticket to ride.
“I have got no idea who is on the plane yet,” Anderson said.
“(But) we are not going over there to fill numbers with whoever makes that flight.
“I think the boys going over there have a job to do and hopefully we can get it done.”
