LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Selwyn Cobbo faces challenges in rejoining the Brisbane Broncos' first-grade team after teammate Josiah Karapani's impressive performance.
In a recent match, Karapani scored two tries during the Broncos' significant 44-14 victory over the Titans.
Taking Cobbo's place, Karapani made 15 runs for 176 metres, alongside three tackle breaks and two line breaks.
This performance marked a pivotal moment for Karapani, who had only played 11 first-grade matches prior.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire's decision to replace Cobbo with Karapani was highly praised.
Karapani not only doubled his career try tally but also demonstrated that he is a capable NRL player.
Despite Cobbo's demotion, he was seen at Suncorp Stadium, participating in warmup drills and reportedly embracing the situation positively.
Maguire emphasized the need for high standards within the team, stating, "As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things." He acknowledged Karapani's consistency and his past performances in first grade.
While Cobbo's areas for improvement were not specified, Maguire expressed confidence that he "definitely" could return to the team, stressing that fulfilling team standards influences opportunities.
Overall, the situation highlights the competitive nature of the NRL where performance and consistency are critical for success.