Signings watch: Is the Barnett-Anderson swap a fair deal?

With Mitch Barnett's move to the Broncos officially confirmed, Denan Kemp has given his assessment on the deal.

Following Payne Haas’ bombshell move to South Sydney from 2027, the Broncos moved swiftly to find their replacement.

And with Barnett being released from his contract at the end of the season for personal reasons in February, it opened the door for the club’s co-captain to sign a three-year deal with the reigning premiers.

Subsequently, the Broncos will release outside back Grant Anderson at the end of the season to sign with the Warriors as part of a swap deal.

When asked about who initially won the deal, Kemp admitted it's too soon to know.

But he believes there's one detail people are forgetting about this swap deal.

“It's hard to say now,” he noted on SEN’s Saturday League Kick-Off.

“But I think something that's probably not getting spoken about is Barnett, he's 33 (at the start of his new contract).

“By the time he ends his contract, he's going to be 36. That's pretty old for a front rower.

“I know (Paul) Gallen was a bit older when he was retiring, but outside of that, you don't see front rowers like that.

“I think right now it's actually quite an even trade. I think people are underestimating Anderson's ability.

“I think he's gonna be great for the Warriors.”

Chad Townsend would agree, noting that the move suits Brisbane, who are in a win-now approach.

“I think Anderson obviously has a lot more time left in the game, so it has a much bigger long-term outlook,” he added.

“There's no doubt, the Broncos (are) in the mindset of win now.

“Barnett (is a) New South Wales Origin player. Look at his form now, his aggression.

 “I think, when you're talking right now, if he goes to the club and they win a premiership in the next two years, it's the definite tick inside the Broncos’ (walls) and obviously filling that void of Payne Haas.”

The Broncos will next feature on Friday night when they host the Bulldogs for their ANZAC Day eve clash.

SEN will have live coverage of the match available through Broncos Radio on SENQ and on the SEN app from 8pm AEST.