LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Teammates of Selwyn Cobbo are rallying for his return to the Broncos in 2027, even though he has agreed to join the Dolphins for the next season. Although Cobbo signed a one-year deal with Kristian Woolf's Dolphins for 2026, he will remain a free agent starting November 1, allowing discussions with other clubs despite not having played for Redcliffe yet.
This unusual scenario sets the stage for Cobbo to potentially return to his childhood club, as he has expressed reluctance to leave the Broncos, claiming he was forced out due to salary cap constraints. His situation adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming local derby against Brisbane's rivals at Suncorp Stadium.
Cobbo, who hails from the Indigenous community of Cherbourg, northwest of Brisbane, famously expressed his desire to play for the Broncos in his childhood. However, he faced a tough reality when the Broncos could only offer about half of his current $600,000 annual contract, prompting the Dolphins to seize the opportunity.
After being relegated to reserve grade by Brisbane coach Michael Maguire following a round 13 loss, Cobbo impressed upon his return in a significant win against Souths in round 22. Unfortunately, his performance was cut short due to a potentially season-ending hamstring injury sustained in a recent match against Melbourne.
As a result, Cobbo will miss a chance to face the Dolphins next year, while injuries to Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam will further challenge the Broncos' lineup. Despite acknowledging Cobbo's impending departure to the Dolphins, Brisbane players hold out hope for his return in 2027, possibly before he has even set foot on the field for Redcliffe.
"You'd love to keep everyone together and that's just the way it works these days with the salary cap and that's what it's there for," commented Brisbane's Billy Walters told News Corp. "It's there to keep things even and unfortunately Selwyn was squeezed out but you never say never in this game.
"People come back to clubs all the time. We probably never would have thought Ben Hunt would come back to the Broncos after he left, but he's here now playing again in the No. 7 jumper this week. Selwyn has only signed a one-year deal with the Dolphins so I'd love to see him back here one day. Who knows what's around the corner?"