Brisbane dismantled the Bulldogs on Thursday night as their $5 million fullback watched on from the sidelines.
NRL fans are questioning whether the Broncos were much better in attack on Thursday night because they simplified things with Reece Walsh out. And questions have also emerged about how he fits into the team moving forward considering how well Selwyn Cobbo played at fullback.
Cobbo had a try assist and four tackle breaks, while running for 151 metres from 18 carries in the Broncos’ stunning 42-18 win over the previously-undefeated Bulldogs. It was the third game Cobbo has started at fullback in his career, and they’ve all resulted in wins.
Walsh has endured a lukewarm start to the 2025 season, and has appeared to overplay his hand on numerous occasions. Many believe he’s been trying too hard, and hasn’t formed a good connection with five-eighth Ben Hunt yet.
With Cobbo at fullback on Thursday night, many thought the Bulldogs would run rampant over the hot-and-cold Broncos. But Adam Reynolds completely dismantled the Dogs in one of the best games of his NRL career.
The veteran halfback scored a try and set up three others, producing a superb kicking display in wet and torrid conditions. The Broncos raced in six tries in the first half, and fans couldn’t help but notice they were doing it all without their $5 million fullback Walsh.
One person wrote on social media: “Don’t let this Bulldogs humbling distract you from the fact Broncos looked twice as good without Reece Walsh.” Another commented: “We look so much better without Reece Walsh.”
Many suggested the Broncos need to have Cobbo playing fullback for the foreseeable future, and with Walsh out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury he’ll get a decent crack. But when Walsh is ready to return, there’s no doubt he’ll slot straight back in at No.1 and push Cobbo back to the wing.
Selwyn Cobbo at fullback could be $1 million blow for Broncos
With Cobbo coming off contract at the end of this season, the fact he’s set to play fullback for the next month might actually be a huge blow to the Broncos’ hopes of re-signing him. The Broncos could re-sign Cobbo on a cut-price deal as a winger, but if he plays the house down at fullback he’ll likely attract some big-money offers from rival clubs.
Last year, Broncos great Corey Parker suggested clubs would be willing to give Cobbo $1 million per season to play fullback – and there’s no way Brisbane could match that kind of money considering their salary cap crunch. “If Selwyn goes to the open market, he can get around $1 million a season. That’s the reality,” Parker said.
“If the Broncos haven’t made Cobbo an offer yet, I find that mind-blowing. Clubs tend to forecast their salary caps years in advance and I’m sure the Broncos have been preparing for this.
“They knew this period was coming with (Kotoni) Staggs and Selwyn (set to become free agents). The issue for me is how do the Broncos afford to keep Cobbo and Staggs? The Broncos already have guys like Ezra Mam, Reece Walsh and Payne Haas on big-money deals. Often clubs pay on potential… and Selwyn’s potential is untapped.”
Cobbo and coach Michael Maguire have both stated they don’t want him to leave the Broncos. Reports have emerged in recent months that he might take a short-term extension to stay in Brisbane before becoming a high-profile signing for one of the NRL expansion teams – whether it be PNG or the Perth Bears.