A multimillion-dollar retention drive has engulfed Selwyn Cobbo’s future at Red Hill in uncertainty, but Broncos winger Jesse Arthars has backed the axed star to force his way back into the NRL.
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has long maintained his desire to keep the six-time Maroons flyer, but his demotion to the Queensland Cup has posed questions regarding his standing.
Cobbo, who remains unsigned beyond 2025, will line up for Wynnum Manly for a third straight week, having been unseated by rookie Josiah Karapani – who scored twice against the Gold Coast Titans and will keep his place for Sunday’s clash against Cronulla.
Selwyn Cobbo will have to fight his way back into the Broncos side, as he comes off contract at season’s end.Credit: NRL Photos
But Arthars was adamant his off-contract teammate would rediscover his best.
“Footy is full of surprises, you don’t really want to see anyone getting dropped, but that’s how it works. It’s a business, but Selly is full of energy and always happy to be around,” Arthars said.
“He’s always performing at training, and you guys wouldn’t see it, but he’s always doing things away from the field as well.
“He’s doing all he can to get back in the team. Everyone’s seen how good Selwyn is, he’s played at the Origin level and done some awesome things for this club in the past.
“I’m sure when he comes back he’ll be firing, and I can’t wait to play with him again.”
Cobbo’s versatility to cover wing, fullback and centre could well have rival suitors lining up, while Brisbane also have coverage in uncapped rookie Israel Leota – also off contract this year – and Samoan international Deine Mariner.
Maguire’s ability to retain his services could be tested by the salary cap, after marquee duo Kotoni Staggs (2028) and Adam Reynolds (2026), as well as hooker Blake Mozer (2027), all inked new deals.
“It means a lot to play in the Broncos jersey, every time I put it on I wear it with heart and leave everything on the field.”
Kotoni Staggs
The Broncos have also been exposed at times with their forward depth outside of Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan, which will be challenged further after Ben Te Kura underwent ankle surgery, and may seek to bolster their stocks.
But upon leaving Cobbo out of the NRL side, Maguire dismissed suggestions the move would force him out the door.
“I don’t look at it from that point of view. We’re creating standards and the team themselves, from the day when I walked in to where they are now, are still pushing those,” Maguire said.
“As a group and as a leadership group and as a coach, we’re pushing standards here and expectations in how we’re doing things and Karapani’s got his opportunity.
“Selly’s got to look at a few things in his game … Selly and I talk all the time about what we need to do, so I’ll keep that between us.
“There’s obviously things that every player goes through at times and this is no different.”
Funds could be more readily available beyond 2026, even ahead of a likely upgrade for Haas before he hits the open market on November 1.
Cory Paix, Kobe Hetherington, Corey Jensen, Fletcher Baker, Jack Gosiewski, Jaiyden Hunt and Delouise Hoeter all remain unsigned for next year, with Tyson Smoothy to depart for the Super League and Martin Taupau already released.
Billy Walters, Ben Hunt, Jesse Arthars and Reynolds follow suit before 2027, with Arthars the most likely to be retained given his form parachuted him into Queensland’s State of Origin game one squad.
Where the club turn to on the recruitment and retention front will hinge on the development of its rising stars.
Halfback Coby Black has been heralded their next big thing to don the No.7 jumper, capitalising on his solid Queensland Cup form to guide the Maroons under-19s to a one-point triumph of New South Wales on Thursday night – scoring a try and kicking a clutch field goal.
His path to first-grade will be blocked for at least another year, however with both Ben Hunt and Reynolds expected to retire after 2026 will likely earn his chance in 2027.
“To be able to finish my career at the club which has given me so much over the past few seasons means a lot to me.”
Adam Reynolds
Mozer, meanwhile, has been lauded as the club’s long-term No.9, with his extension to put pressure on Paix and Walters in their fight for new contracts.
The 21-year-old has been playing for Souths Logan Magpies on the back of eight NRL games last year, while teenage talent Cameron Bukowski’s has been impressive at Wynnum Manly.
“There were sort of eight games there, the last eight games of the year, where I strung those games together … [and] as the year went on I got a bit more comfortable to be honest,” Mozer said this year.
“I’ve sort of got all the nerves out of the way – it’s just footy now for me, and getting in there playing as good as I can, which I know I can.”
