By Joel Gould
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team.
The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances.
Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Cobbo in action for the Broncos against Manly last weekend.Credit: Getty Images
Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025.
The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo’s recent performances at fullback and wing.
Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly.
“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 and Selly’s got to look at a few things in his game,” Maguire said.
“[Karapani] has been really consistent in the way he’s been playing through the preseason … and he’s obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he’s played really well. I know he’ll do a good job.”
Maguire said Cobbo “definitely” could force his way back into the side.
Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year.
“I’m here to coach the team. We’re creating standards and … the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have,” Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to fix.
Winger Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position.
The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return.
“It’s [about] having the players available too,” Maguire said.
“We’re starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece …and we’ll get Hunty back in there at some stage.
“It just tinkers with how you’re playing and with those boys in there … you’re looking at a different outcome.
“Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He’s a good player. I love coaching him. He’ll do his job for the team.”
Maguire wore an “Adam Reynolds 300″ shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans.
He said it was “an honour” to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney.
“To think further down the track, we’re playing 300 it’s an incredible achievement really,” Maguire said.
“For a little fella like him, he’s had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he’s had some massive moments.
“Grand final winner [in 2014], been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates.”
