“VERY DISRESPECTFUL”: Selwyn Cobbo Saga Deepens as Broncos’ Offer Sparks Controversy

“VERY DISRESPECTFUL”: Selwyn Cobbo Saga Deepens as Broncos’ Offer Sparks Controversy

The Brisbane Broncos are under fire for their handling of rising star Selwyn Cobbo’s contract situation, with club legend Gorden Tallis labelling the club’s offer as “disrespectful” and warning that they risk losing one of their brightest young talents.

 

At just 23, Cobbo is widely regarded as a potential long-term cornerstone of the Broncos’ future. However, the club’s decision to prioritize re-signing veteran halfbacks Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt—both 35—has left little room in the salary cap to retain the State of Origin winger.

“They left $300,000 for a player of his calibre? That’s disrespectful,” Tallis said on NRL 360. “He’s the future, not two aging halfbacks. And when Reece Walsh was out, Cobbo saved them in a few games from fullback.”

The situation escalated after revelations that Cobbo recently held talks with St George Illawarra Dragons coach Shane Flanagan, with his camp reportedly seeking a deal worth $650,000 to $700,000 per season. The Dragons were interested in signing him immediately, though a deal remains unlikely. The Cowboys and Dolphins have also been loosely linked, though the Dolphins appear to have ruled themselves out over concerns about Cobbo’s form and fitness.

 

The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield said Adam Reynolds’ re-signing may have inadvertently pushed Cobbo out, despite Reynolds’ earlier insistence he wouldn’t stay if it jeopardized others. “Well, he has [forced him out], even if not directly,” Rothfield commented.

 

Adding to the complexity, Ben Hunt’s signing has added another experienced but aging player into a log-jammed spine. The Broncos reportedly plan to use Hunt at hooker, bridging the gap until young prospect Blake Mozer is ready to start full-time by 2027.

 

Tallis was also critical of the club’s unwillingness to develop teenage sensation Coby Black, who recently starred for Queensland’s U19 Origin side. “The future is not in two 35-year-old halfbacks,” he stressed. “There’s no better way to learn than on the field.”

 

Cobbo’s recent demotion to reserve grade came amid concerns about his performance levels, though coach Michael Maguire insisted it was due to “standards.” However, many believe he’s been playing injured.

 

With the Broncos falling well short of Cobbo’s valuation, and other clubs circling, the talented outside back may be forced to continue his NRL journey elsewhere—despite a clear desire to remain in Brisbane.