The Battle for Brisbane has no shortage of major storylines going into Friday’s derby, with a former Bronco ready to show his old team what they are missing out on.
Selwyn Cobbo spent five seasons living out a childhood dream by playing for the Broncos, but he’ll return to Suncorp Stadium in the away sheds on Friday night when he takes on his former teammates for the first time.
The softly-spoken young man from Cherbourg who is blessed with all the physical attributes a player could ever ask for scored 49 tries in 83 games for Brisbane and looked set to be their next superstar before he suddenly found himself playing reserve grade.
Cobbo fell out of favour last season and ended up signing a one-year deal with their noisy neighbours the Dolphins due to a salary cap squeeze that sets up a mouth-watering Battle for Brisbane between two clubs coming off impressive round 3 victories.
“I can’t wait (to play against my) old club. I’m pretty excited. Can’t wait,” he said after scoring a try in his side’s dominant win over the Sharks on Saturday.
“Growing up I always wanted to play for the Broncos, but you know, it is what it is. I’m just excited to play against my old club, my old teammates. We’re mates off the field, but on the field it’s time to go to work.
“I’ve got to do what’s best for my team.”
Cobbo insists there’s nothing to prove after he watched from the sidelines as his former Broncos teammates won last year’s grand final.
“It’s only the start of the year so there’s more to come,” he said.
“Just still trying to find my rhythm in this team and where I can fit in. Time will come and I can’t wait for that moment to come.”
While some guys would fire up the social media apps and banter with their mates, Cobbo is happy to let his footy do the talking in what will be an emotional night for the 23-year-old winger.
“I’ll just wait until we’re on the field. I’m not really a banter guy,” the former State of Origin star said.
“I’m just excited. Facing my old club and old teammates (will be fun). They’ve done a lot for me and I just can’t wait to go on the field and have a good game.
“Since day one, the boys (at the Dolphins) accepted me with open arms and it’s been fun ever since I’ve been here. I’m enjoying the trip – no, I’m loving it. The boys are good, they look after me and I look after them.”
Herbie Farnworth and Cobbo played alongside each other at the Broncos in the 2023 decider, and they’ve reunited at the Dolphins where the Englishman is killing it at left centre.
The pair have struck a potent combination on the left edge, with Farnworth proud of Cobbo for how he’s handled the move.
“He’s happy here at the Dolphins, so I think it’s showing on the footy field,” he said.
“I finally got him a little bit of good ball, so (he scored a) very impressive try at the end. That’s what he can do. He’s a freaky player.”
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