Selwyn Cobbo's career-best 2026 season has brought a new Dolphins contract through the end of 2031, a Queensland State of Origin return and Friday's home preliminary final against the Sydney Roosters.
The Cherbourg-born winger credits his improved form to greater stability away from the field, saying, "If I am happy off the field, I am happy on the field."
Cobbo's great-great grandfather, Queensland fast bowler Eddie Gilbert, helped bring Cherbourg national attention by dismissing Don Bradman for a duck in 1931.
Bradman described Gilbert as the fastest bowler he faced, while Gilbert claimed 73 wickets for Queensland but never represented Australia.
His career was restricted by an 1897 Queensland Parliament Act that severely limited Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's movement, employment rights and daily lives.
Cobbo plans to study Gilbert's achievements during the off-season and visit Cherbourg's Ration Shed Museum for its historical records.
Gilbert also inspired later sporting figures, including Brisbane great Steve Renouf, who grew up in nearby Murgon.
"There are still heaps of talents in Cherbourg but not many make it out," Cobbo said, pointing to his great-uncle Adrian Blair's boxing success.
Blair won a national title, represented Australia at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and competed at the 1962 Commonwealth Games alongside Cherbourg athletes Eddie Barney and Jeffrey Dynevor.
Cobbo also praised coach Kristian Woolf, whose upbringing in Mount Isa and experience coaching Tonga help him understand Aboriginal and mixed-culture communities.