By Nick Wright
Jesse Arthars’ NRL exile may last just one game – his stunning Queensland Cup return has ensured he not only remains the frontrunner for a comeback but is a long-term prospect to replace the outgoing Herbie Farnworth.
Queensland star Selwyn Cobbo has been ruled out for the Maroons’ side for State of Origin game two, having re-aggravated a hip concern suffered in the series opener during Brisbane’s triumph over Newcastle.
Jesse Arthars puts his name on the scoresheet. Karmichael Hunt believes the Kiwi product should be considered the leading contender for the Broncos’ number four jumper.Credit: Getty
While a bye week for the Broncos could prove enough time for the 21-year-old Cobbo to make a full recovery, Arthars’ first outing for Souths Logan showed why Broncos coach Kevin Walters was keen to retain his services through to the end of 2026.
The 24-year-old scored two tries in the Magpies’ 38-28 win over Ipswich, while running for 145 metres, featuring two line breaks and seven tackle busts.
Arthars has spent much of the 2023 campaign in the Broncos top side, as winger Corey Oates sought to overcome a broken jaw and PCL strain in his knee.
In that time, he has emerged as a genuine NRL competitor from his 13 appearances in the maroon jumper; averaging 106 metres a game to go with 13 line breaks and seven tries.
And with Farnworth joining Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins in 2024, Souths Logan coach Karmichael Hunt believes the Kiwi product should be considered the leading contender for the number four jumper – even in the face of a stern challenge from rising star Deine Mariner.
Deine Mariner attempts to tackle Cowboys flyer Murray Taulagi. Credit: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
“I think he will be considered for sure; I think he’s put his hand up to do a job on the wing when Oatesy has been injured, and with Cobbo down I’m sure he’ll get the crack again,” Hunt said.
“Just understanding he hasn’t let them down since [being in the NRL side], I think there’s an opportunity next year to take that centre role on. He’s got tremendous ability, tremendous nerve, and he’s really good attacking wise and a very smart defender.
“He was really looking forward to getting a run in the centres because that’s his preferred position. He made some really good decisions; they threw a bit of traffic his way but a few times you could tell he was thinking ahead of the play.”
Walters cited a lack of playing time in recent weeks as the main reason behind the hooker’s axing given his NRL interchange role, giving Hunt a genuine two-man punch out of dummy-half for the Magpies along with rookie prospect Blake Mozer.
Cory Paix lined up in the Queensland Cup last weekend.Credit: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Paix was solid in his Magpies return but was outpointed by Mozer in terms of attacking chances (25 metres from two runs to 57 metres from three). Yet Hunt believes the 23-year-old needed that opening hit-out to overcome the disappointment of feeling Walters’ axe.
“Like all professionals, he was quite disappointed initially, but once he got through the week and we got into the Captain’s Run he was laser focused on getting back to playing some good football,” Hunt said.
“He had a decent outing, I know he was still on the emotional side of being dropped but I think he’ll be better for the run.
“The messaging I got from (Broncos assistant coach) Matty Ballin was for him to get back down and that Kevvie wanted to get more minutes under his belt. Just to get out there and test the line in attack, create some play and take some good opportunities whether to run or pass, and I thought he did a good job.”
Meanwhile, Wynnum Manly duo Corey Jensen and Keenan Palasia set a palpable tone for the Seagulls and signalled their intentions to force Walters’ hand at the selection table.
The front-row pairing have been regulars in the Broncos line-up all season – playing 13 and nine games, respectively – but have been unseated by Kobe Hetherington and Brendan Piakura in the past two weeks.
Corey Jensen turned in a strong performance for Wynnum Manly in pushing his case for an NRL recall. Credit: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Jensen showcased his typically talismanic traits in the Seagulls’ 62-0 win over Mackay – running for 205 metres while making 20 tackles. Palasia proved an invaluable ally, finishing with 136 metres and 19 tackles.
The foundation the duo laid enabled the Wynnum Manly outside backs to run rampant, with Broncos centres Delouise Hoeter (three tries, seven tackle busts, 165 metres) and Mariner (221 metres, seven tackle busts and a try assist) wrecking havoc as a result.
