By Nick Wright
Jesse Arthars has implored star teammates Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo to remain in Broncos’ colours, despite the roster juggling act that awaits club officials.
At least one of the two well-known names is likely to be squeezed out of Red Hill, with the signing of State of Origin veteran Ben Hunt putting a strain on Brisbane’s financial flexibility.
Staggs and Cobbo both come off contract in 2025 and, while they reportedly hope to stay in Brisbane under new coach Michael Maguire, salary cap constraints could force their hand.
Kotoni Staggs looms as a key retention priority for the Brisbane Broncos, however his market value could force him to move.Credit: Getty
But Arthars wants the pair to help rebuild the Broncos into premiership contenders, declaring Cobbo was “going to have a good year” and also praising Staggs’ influence.
“I don’t want to see them leave. They bring a lot of culture to this club – Cobbs and Tones are two players we’ll be looking to hold onto,” Arthars said.
“Tones is a massive player in this club, and behind the four walls you guys wouldn’t see he’s a very big leader.
“He’s one of the driving forces in changing this culture and trying to make it a better place.”
Maguire would like to retain Staggs and Cobbo. However, should a rival club make an offer too tempting to ignore, the Broncos will look for a replacement in their development ranks – and, potentially, a code convert who has landed on their doorstep.
While rookie Israel Leota joined the top 30 squad, and former Melbourne Rebel Glen Vaihu has secured a train and trial opportunity, departing Queensland Reds winger Floyd Aubrey is making his presence known in Broncos country.
The 21-year-old signed with South Logan Magpies, one of Brisbane’s Queensland Cup affiliate outfits, fresh off scoring a Reds’ hat-trick against Japanese rugby outfit, Saitama Wild Knights.
At the Reds, Aubrey was stuck behind Wallabies star Filipo Daugunu and breakout flyer Tim Ryan, and is joined by 2024 teammate Taj Annan (Newcastle Knights) in making a jump to rugby league.
Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs are both expected to command lucrative offers as they come off contract.Credit: Getty
Aubrey will be mentored by two dual-code legends at Souths Logan, with coaches Karmichael Hunt and Lote Tuqiri both Broncos’ champions with 73 Wallabies caps between them.
Reds coach Les Kiss – a North Sydney Bears’ great, who played four games for the Maroons and Kangaroos – said Aubrey still had all the traits to thrive on the big stage.
“We know he has always had that [ability]. It’s always tough trying to get that roster completely right, but that’s how it fell,” Kiss said.
“We don’t want to lose players, but there are opportunities there and both of them [Aubrey and Annan] wanted to experience the league world.
“There’s no doubt we’ll go and watch Souths Logan play and see Floydy run around. We’ll keep an eye on him, for sure.
“They’re two very good, talented players. Who knows? They may be back in a Reds jersey one day.”