NRL 2021: Selwyn Cobbo signs Broncos extension ahead of debut against Dragons

At 190cm and 101kg, the “best Queensland backline talent in ten years” was hunted by five NRL clubs. Here’s why 18-year-old star Selwyn Cobbo turned his back on them to stay loyal to Brisbane.

Selwynn Cobbo, Brisbane Broncos training, Red Hills. Photographer: Liam Kidston

Brisbane young gun Selwyn Cobbo says he rejected NRL rivals because he wanted to help make the Broncos a force again as he prepares for his debut against the Dragons on Thursday night.

Cobbo will make one of the most eagerly-awaited debuts at Sydney’s Netstrata Jubilee Stadium with the 18-year-old Indigenous flyer likened in style to Greg Inglis and Latrell Mitchell with his imposing 190cm, 101kg frame.

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Such is his athleticism, the Dragons were one of five NRL clubs that tried to poach Cobbo, with St George Illawarra scouts rating the Cherbourg product the best backline talent they had seen in Queensland in 10 years.

Already contracted to Brisbane until the end of next year, Cobbo last week inked a 12-month extension to remain at Red Hill until the end of 2023 in a significant show of faith in the Broncos’ system.

Selwyn Cobbo will make his Broncos debut against the Dragons.

While Brisbane have copped brickbats for losing David Fifita, Sam Walker and Reece Walsh, Cobbo has joined Jordan Riki, Kotoni Staggs, Brendan Piakura and TC Robati in staying loyal and is relishing the task of restoring credibility to the Broncos.

“I stayed at the Broncos because they were my team growing up,” said Cobbo, who will debut on the right wing against the Red V.

“Growing up, I had a goal to play in the NRL, especially for the Broncos, and now I want to try and get the club back up and running again.”

It’s been a meteoric rise for Cobbo. The teenager has played just six games of Intrust Super Cup, but Broncos coach Kevin Walters could no longer resist the classy touches he has delivered in propelling unbeaten Wynnum Manly to the top of the league.

Cobbo has scored three tries and amassed 1018 metres at an average of 169m per game at fullback. In his past two games for the Seagulls, the boom backline sensation has run for 414 metres and ripped opponents apart with 20 tackle busts.

Physically, it is easy to see why he is labelled Brisbane’s version of NSW Origin weapon Mitchell. And while his childhood hero was Queensland Origin legend Inglis, Cobbo is keeping a level head, insisting he has achieved nothing just yet.

“I’m grateful and honoured to be compared to a superstar like Latrell,” Cobbo said.

Selwyn Cobbo has been in irresistible form for Wynnum Manly. Picture: Vanessa Hafner/QRL

“He is a great player and a role model to Indigenous kids and Indigenous communities but I don’t think there will be another player like him, so I am trying to just make a name for myself.

“My idol growing up was Greg Inglis because he was one of the greatest to ever play the sport and was also an Indigenous leader to look up to.

“My dad is also my hero. He pushed me to my limits, he keeps me disciplined and he’s stuck by my side through the good and bad times.”

The Dragons are certain to target Cobbo but he is confident of a solid Broncos debut after being tested by men in the Intrust Super Cup.

Greg Inglis is Cobbo’s idol. Picture: AAP/David Moir

“It’s my first year playing for Wynnum Manly and it’s a challenge even at that level,” he said.

“I think I’m handling it well so far and I‘m getting more confident as I go, so I think I will be ready for first grade.”

Walters backed Cobbo to fill the boots of Queensland Origin winger Xavier Coates.

“Selwyn has been pushing hard in the Intrust Super Cup and he‘s got an opportunity with Xavier being in Origin, it’s the right time to give him a go,” he said.

“He has good speed and good game sense. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, I just want him to get his carries up, defend well and do his job.”