‘Untapped potential’ — Cobbo’s exit confirmed as Broncos star signs with Dolphins
Selwyn Cobbo will join the Dolphins in 2026 after agreeing to quit the Brisbane Broncos due to a salary cap squeeze.
The Dolphins confirmed the signing in a statement on Friday morning, with CEO Terry Reader calling it a big boost the club.
“The Dolphins have always said we are about continuing to build a roster that will make us one of the top teams in the NRL,” Reader said.
“Selwyn is an accomplished player who has done some amazing things at both Origin and NRL level already.
“But we believe he has untapped potential to go to even greater heights in our game and are excited about what he can do in a Dolphins jersey.”
The Broncos also issued a statement, putting an end to speculation Cobbo could make a switch this season.
Broncos General Manager of Football Operations, Troy Thomson said Cobbo was “not only a tremendous player, but he is a first-class human being”.
“I have had a very strong relationship with Selwyn in the Kangaroo’s environment and here at the Broncos and I’ve enjoyed working with him, both on and off the field,” he said.
“We look forward to his contribution as we continue the charge through the 2025 season and wish him well for the next chapter in his already remarkable career.”
Earlier The Courier Mail reported the out of contract star would walk from the club at the end of the season, turning down a deal to stay at Red Hill.
The Broncos had a salary cap squeeze following the re-signing of Adam Reynolds and Kotoni Staggs, resulting in Cobbo being offered a new deal worth just $300,000 a season.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten, meanwhole, had confirmed his interest in signing Cobbo, but only for the right price.
Payten believed the Cowboys had the right culture to help revive Cobbo’s stalled NRL career, after the former Origin and Kangaroos flyer was dropped by Brisbane.
“We’ve had a discussion but that’s as far as it’s gone at the moment,” Payten said.
“It all depends on what he is asking and what they are expecting. We haven’t got that far down the line yet.
“We always consider quality players and the price point is the determining factor.”
The Cowboys are struggling to replace Valentine Holmes after his switch to the Dragons and Payten believes Cobbo could be the man.
“I think Selwyn Cobbo would help any club he is going to,” Payten said.
“He carries the ball strongly, he can find the tryline and break a game open. He has proven that over time.
“There’s no doubt we could help him get to where he wants to get to, but if we get to that point, it’s down to him.
“I don’t doubt our club would be a good fit. We are a rural town with country values. We have humble players who work hard.”
Broncos board member Darren Lockyer, who is part of the club’s recruitment-and-retention committee, said Cobbo was facing a “test” that could make or break his NRL career.
Cobbo’s NRL career is at a crossroads as he lines up for Wynnum Manly against Redcliffe in the Hostplus Cup on Sunday at Kougari Oval.
The Cowboys made inquiries last week about a potential mid-season transfer similar to the one that saw Tom Dearden join the Cowboys from the Broncos before the June 30 deadline in 2021.