The Brisbane winger is playing like a man who wants a new NRL contract.
Selwyn Cobbo has made a stellar start to the NRL season as he pushes for a new contract with the Brisbane Broncos. But there’s a theory it might be in the Broncos’ best interests to string out the negotiations so he keeps playing well.
Cobbo has scored four tries in two games and appears to be benefiting from a switch back to the wing. He broke six tackles in the opening round against the Roosters, and had another five in the Broncos’ loss to Canberra last weekend while running for 139 metres.
The 22-year-old has been getting involved as much as possible and appears intent on earning a new contract under Michael Maguire. Cobbo doesn’t currently have a contract past the 2024 season, and a number of rival clubs have expressed interest.
Why the Broncos should string out Selwyn Cobbo negotiations
The Broncos have reportedly begun preliminary talks on a new deal, but leading journalist Robert Craddock has urged the club not to be too hasty. If Cobbo keeps playing the way he has across the opening two rounds, it might actually be beneficial to hold off from offering a new contract too soon.
As Craddock wrote in the Courier Mail, the Broncos risk Cobbo’s form dropping off if he’s not playing for his future anymore. “The Broncos may do well to let things bubble along for a while before they secure their man on a multi-year deal,” Craddock suggested.
“Sure, there will be nibbles from other clubs, but Cobbo’s Cherbourg connection means he is highly unlikely to leave the Broncos. And while he remains a free agent the pressure is firmly on Cobbo to play well and keep his price up.”
As Craddock pointed out, Cobbo doesn’t appear keen on leaving the Broncos because of his connection to beloved home town Cherbourg – about three hours north of Brisbane. The Sydney Roosters are said to be one rival team have have expressed interested in snaring Cobbo, but a move interstate would deprive him of the visits to his “oasis”.
“When I go back to my home town I reconnect with all my family. Everyone in Cherbourg is my family, from the little kids all the way to the elders,” he said recently. “They keep me grounded and it puts a smile on my face. I am able to take the shoes off and reconnect with my country.”
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Selwyn Cobbo named as potential signing for PNG team
Maguire even joined Cobbo on a trip to Cherbourg recently in a key sign he wants his man to stay at the Broncos. But journalist Ben Dobbin reported last week he’s had mail that Cobbo could become one of the first big-name signings for the PNG team (set to enter the competition in 2028).
“Selwyn Cobbo is being potentially tossed up as one of the faces…big-money signings of PNG,” Dobbin said on Triple M radio. “What we do know is it is going to be tax free. My mail is that Cobbo will sign a one-year deal at Brisbane and potentially it looks like he could go over to PNG.”
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