It’s very unlikely that Selwyn Cobbo will remain a Brisbane Bronco beyond this season even though a rival club has pulled out of the race for the outside back’s signature.
After a spate of recent re-signings and several star players on good coin, the Broncos were only able to offer Cobbo $300,000 a year to stay. That’s a pay cut of more than 50% of his current deal ($650,000).
Cobbo’s preference is to stay in Brisbane, but unless he’s willing to take a $350,000 haircut, the 23-year-old will have to move on at season’s end.
In another twist which points towards a Cobbo exit, the SMH have reported that Brisbane have re-signed winger Josiah Karapani on a two-year deal.
Karapani’s form in the Broncos’ two recent wins since replacing Cobbo on the flank has been strong.
Storm outside back Grant Anderson will also join the club from next season.
Cobbo, who was dropped to first grade two weeks ago, hasn’t been able to regain his spot at in the top level.
According to CODE Sports, the Dolphins didn’t want to offer a hefty contract to an out-of form player in addition to some on and off field concerns the club have.
The Dragons emerged as the favourites to sign Cobbo after it was revealed over the weekend that he had met with St. George-Illawarra brass in Sydney.
They’re willing to offer Cobbo a deal worth $600,000 a year and as per the SMH, are keen for him to join the club before the mid-season transfer deadline in six days (June 30).
The North Queensland Cowboys are also interested in Cobbo.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire wants Cobbo to remain in Brisbane and hopes he can earn a return to first grade soon.
“Selwyn is a big part of what we do,” Maguire said.
“I’m not giving up on him. All players at some stage of their careers need to focus on the things that they need to get right.
“If Selly gets it right, we all know what capabilities he has, but there’s some things he needs to work on.”
KNIGHTS NIX POTENTIAL TIGERS SWAP
Kai Pearce-Paul won’t be heading to the Tigers this season, with the Newcastle Knights nixing any potential player swap.
It was reported that the Tigers had offered young gun hooker Tallyn Da Silva to the Knights in order to receive Pearce-Paul before the mid-season transfer deadline on June 30.
While the Knights considered it, they ultimately decided to keep their roster as is according to CODE Sports.
The Tigers’ player swap offer stemmed from the Knights’ interest in Da Silva.
Da Silva has been granted permission from the Tigers to talk with rival clubs now even though his deal runs until the end of 2026.
The 20-year-old, who just saw great mate Lachlan Galvin head to the exit, wants to be the club’s starting hooker but is behind Api Koroisau.
Da Silva is adament he wants out if the Tigers re-sign Koroisau, who is also under contract until the end of next season.
Newcastle are the favourites to sign da Silva, but other clubs are circling the promising dummy-half.
Veteran journalist Phil Rothfield says the Tigers are in a tricky situation given Da Silva’s potential.
“There’s a couple of good judges in the game who say Tallyn Da Silva is an Origin player, even in the next couple of years,” Rothfield said.
“He’s going to be a superstar. I don’t know how they solve it, because I would not under any circumstances let Koroisau go.”
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