The Dolphins have announced former Gympie Devil Selwyn Cobbo’s arrival on a one-year deal for next season, despite chief executive Terry Reader pouring cold water on the prospect less than 24 hours earlier.
The six-time Queensland representative, who made his Test debut in 2023, has remained in reserve grade since a big loss to Manly in May and is in the final season of a deal worth an estimated $625,000 annually.
The Broncos’ recent investment in outside backs Grant Anderson, Josiah Karapani and Kotoni Staggs all but sealed Cobbo’s fate.
But the 23-year-old from Cherbourg did not depart early, Broncos coach Michael Maguire was adamant his backline ace would not be released before Monday’s 30 June deadline and remained in first-grade contention.
The coach, who described negotiations to keep Cobbo at the club as “tricky“, reckons there is another chapter to be written for the crowd favourite who boasts 48 tries in 80 Brisbane appearances.
“It’s a tough one… he’s a great man but it’s part of the game unfortunately,“ the Brisbane coach said.
“Selly and I have spoken and he wants to be here and wants to win a comp with the Broncos.
“He’s got that opportunity.
“He has (rediscovered his love for footy) he’s been out training with his teammates, got a smile on his face.
“Every player at some stage will go through a bit of adversity and Selly’s just gone through that.
“Whether it’s a circus or not, at least for Selly’s sake… I’m sure it’ll give him the best opportunity.“
Unless there’s a change of heart, Cobbo will join the Dolphins in November for preseason training and team with strike weapons Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Herbie Farnworth.
Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf said there had been “a bit of movement all over the place“ to fit the representative talent into their 2026 budget.
“Things are fairly tight… it’s a matter of getting him in,“ he said of the prospect of a longer deal.
“I know he’s going to add to our team. I like everything I see about him as a bloke and a person.“
The first-year NRL coach said he would relish the chance to realise Cobbo’s full potential.
“That’s my job as a coach, to get that out of him and I think we’ve got a very good environment here,“ he said.
“I’ll back what we’ve got here … I think we can really help him.“
Woolf said Tabuai-Fidow would remain the club’s first-choice fullback but Cobbo’s versatility would be a huge asset.
“Twelve months ago he’s playing State of Origin and he’s got so many tools to him,“ the coach said.
“A big athletic body… even his poor games he’s taken 20, 21 carries.
“He’s one of those blokes who can do things that other people can’t.
“Every one of our games (we’ve lost) against the Broncos, he’s come up with a play that’s had a big impact.“
Cobbo, meanwhile, is back in business for Brisbane after a three-game absence but veteran utility Ben Hunt’s hamstring is still not ready for action.
Cobbo replaced Queensland’s 18th man Reece Walsh at fullback for Friday night’s 4 July away clash with Canterbury after being dropped from the side after the round 13 loss to Manly.
Cobbo will join the Dolphins next year but his influence on the Broncos’ chances of having a tilt at the title remain in play after the club refused to release him before the 30 June deadline.
“It makes us feel comfortable if we have him coming into the team. He’s a great in,“ Broncos forward Jack Gosiewski said.
“Obviously this is his last year so we need him playing his best footy still for the club … and I am sure he will.“
Cobbo’s axing and subsequent linking with the Dolphins opened the door for blockbusting winger Josiah Karapani and he grabbed his chance in stunning fashion.
Karapani, 23, has scored five tries in the three matches he has played this year and inked a two-year extension.
Cobbo, who played wing against the Sea Eagles before being dropped, is the man Karapani unseated in the short and now long-term. That hasn’t stopped Cobbo from helping Karapani out.
“Me and Selwyn talk every day at training and I ask for advice and he gives me some tips,“ Karapani said.
“Last week I asked him before the game to give me some advice – ’If there’s anything to work on to let me know’ – and we had a pretty good chat at half-time. We spoke and I took it out there.
“He said just ’Keep doing your thing’. He gives me reassurance.
“Me and Selwyn have a good relationship. It’s a healthy, competitive environment. We all want to see each other succeed, which is good.“
