Queensland Maroons star Selwyn Cobbo inspires Cherbourg with epic State of Origin performance

Rugby league star Selwyn Cobbo’s performance in this year’s State of Origin series has sparked huge pride in his tiny hometown, with the 20-year-old praised as a shining light for Cherbourg’s next generation.

Cherbourg rugby league prodigy Selwyn Cobbo’s performance as part of a victorious Queensland Maroons side in this year’s State of Origin series has won him adoring fans across the country, but none are more proud than the relatives and community leaders in his hometown.

Cobbo’s selection in this year’s Origin team topped off the 20-year-old’s meteoric rise to fame over the past year, starting with his NRL debut with the Brisbane Broncos last year and being named in the 2022 Indigenous All Stars Squad.

Proud grandfather Trevor Blair said he remembered taking Cobbo to his first rugby league games with the Under 6 Cherbourg Hornets team, and knew even then that his grandson was bound for success.

“He was a little short fat feller when he started, but he could still run,” he said.

“You could already see he had the skills to be a great player when he was little, but we had no idea he’d go this far.

“The whole family is proud of him, as well as the whole community from Cherbourg to Murgon to Kingaroy.”

QLD v NSW - State of Origin Game 3

Mr Blair said it was incredible to witness his grandson become an inspiration to the region’s youth, with the former Murgon State High School captain previously saying he “aspires to make a change for Aboriginal people”.

“Just talk to the kids at Cherbourg State School and you’ll see it,” he said.

“They all want to be Selwyn Cobbo when they grow up.

“It’s the same at Murgon State High School. You’ll go watch a game and the kids will be skipping onto the field sideways like Selwyn does.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 08: Selwyn Cobbo of the Maroons kicks forward for the try to Dane Gagai of the Maroons during game one of the 2022 State of Origin series between the New South Wales Blues and the Queensland Maroons at Accor Stadium on June 08, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council CEO Chatur Zala said the community could not have asked for a stronger role model for Cherbourg’s youth, with Cobbo even paying a surprise visit to Cherbourg State School on Friday.

“We’ve seen a change in the town since Selwyn started playing for the Broncos and then at the State of Origin,” Mr Zala said.

“Lots of our young people look up to him and believe if they put in that effort and are disciplined in their life, they can achieve their goals too.

“He is all about community and every time he’s here he’s talking to the kids, telling them ‘you need to be at school, you need to listen to your parents, and do the right thing’.

“He was even here on the weekend and had a run with the kids, so they’re looking at a very positive role model.”

Mayor Elvie Sandow said Selwyn grew up across the road from her and has always been a quiet boy, who respects his family and never got into any trouble.

“He never forgets where he comes from,” Cr Sandow said.

“He trying to lay the foundation and we can only hope that the kids follow him.“