NRL 2022: Selwyn Cobbo signs big contract extension with Brisbane Broncos
Broncos young gun Selwyn Cobbo has revealed why he chose to reject the big-money advances of rival NRL clubs and sign a contract extension at Brisbane.
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Selwyn Cobbo says his desire to help break Brisbane’s 16-year premiership drought convinced him to reject a possible move to expansion rivals the Dolphins and ink a lucrative extension with the Broncos.
The Broncos have scored another retention coup, with the club staving off interest from 14 NRL rivals, including Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins, to secure Cobbo ahead of Saturday night’s derby against the Cowboys in Townsville.
The newly-minted Queensland Origin young gun, already contracted for next year, has inked a two-year upgrade worth in excess of $1 million to remain at Red Hill until the end of 2025.
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A virtual unknown just 12 months ago, Cobbo’s market value has soared this season following his outstanding club form for the Broncos and his stunning rise to the State of Origin arena with the Maroons.
In the wake of his Origin I performance, Cobbo’s management was inundated with interest, with one NRL rival discussing a monster $4 million package worth $900,000 annually over five years.
The Dolphins were one of the first clubs to entertain a poaching raid, with Bennett registering his interest in the Cherbourg sensation before Christmas last year.
But Cobbo said he wanted to repay the Broncos club that gave him his first big break in the NRL — and now the Indigenous winger is targeting Brisbane’s first premiership triumph since 2006.
“It feels good to re-sign, I love the club and I love being around the boys,” Cobbo said.
“The staff have done so much for me and I love putting on this jersey and representing the Broncos.
“To be able to do that (win a premiership) would be great, we have the team to do it and hopefully we get that premiership win here.
“I love the Broncos, I grew up watching them and it’s great to be able to play for them and stay here.”
Cobbo’s decision is a major show of faith in Brisbane’s football program at a time when the Dolphins, the new franchise that was tipped to decimate the Broncos’ roster, is fighting to snare a marquee player.
In recent months, the Dolphins have snared Broncos duo Jamayne Isaako and Brenko Lee, although the NRL’s 17th team have failed to lure bigger-name Brisbane targets Pat Carrigan and Herbie Farnworth.
Just turned 20, Cobbo has rocketed to Broncos stardom this season, crossing for 11 tries in 13 matches, as well as making 58 tackle breaks, nine line breaks and averaging 125 running metres per game.
Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds played at South Sydney with Queensland legend Greg Inglis, who has been mentoring Cobbo in Camp Maroon over the past three weeks.
While Cobbo is often compared to Inglis with his Indigenous heritage and imposing 100kg frame, Reynolds says the Broncos flyer is blazing his own trail in the NRL and can spearhead a golden dynasty for Brisbane.
“He is a fantastic kid with a bright future and now it’s about us keeping a lid on it and looking after him,” Reynolds said.
“He is getting all the praise, but you can quickly come back down to earth.
“As a team, we will continue working hard to help Selwyn and there’s some great years ahead for the club.
“Selwyn will learn a lot from ‘Greggy’ (Inglis) and gain some confidence out of working with him in Origin. It’s a handy person to have in your corner.
“Coming to the Broncos this season, I saw a kid who loves playing football. He is still so raw, but he has an infectious personality that everyone wants to play with.
“He takes the tough carries and does things not many kids his age are doing.
“It’s great news for the club that he has re-signed and I’m excited to play another few years with him.”
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