Selwyn Cobbo’s release from the Brisbane Broncos was expected, but his move to a cross-town rival has Red Hill legend Darren Lockyer more than a little nervous.
The Dolphins on Friday announced a one-year deal for the 23-year-old backline star who has played six Origin games for Queensland.
The signing came after the Broncos offered and Cobbo rejected a lowball contract reportedly worth $300,000 – less than half of his current deal – to stay at the club.
Cobbo has not featured in the Broncos side since round 13 but has been recalled this week as several players are away on Origin duty.
Next year he will join a lethal Dolphins backline that will be the envy of the league.
The likes of halfback Isaiya Katoa, fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and centre Herbie Farnworth are already considered world class and Lockyer admitted they are “the best attacking” team in the NRL.
The realisation of Cobbo linking with those stars – he can play anywhere in the backline – prompted Lockyer to cover his ears when told to envision what the Dolphins will look like in 2026.
As for Cobbo’s future in the game, Lockyer said his move to the Dolphins relieves the “weight off his shoulders”.
“He also comes back into the team this week, and he has got a point to prove,” Lockyer said on Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.
“I don’t know if Madge (coach Michael Maguire) has challenged him. He’s left him out of the team but he has been working hard so I just hope that he gets some reward for that effort.
“He is going to the Dolphins for a year. The talk is that will leave him available (to sign) for Perth or PNG (expansion teams).
“The Dolphins are going good, he is going to get some good coaching over there.”
Lockyer, who serves as a non-executive director on the Broncos board, admitted that regardless of what jersey Cobbo dons he hopes to see him thrive.
“As a rugby league fan, wherever he goes I just want to see him happy and playing well,” he said.
“I think we all know and understand what a talent Selwyn is. I think we all want to see him reach his potential.
“He is just going to have to go a different direction from the Broncos at the minute but that’s not going to say he is not going to reach his potential.”