‘Got to look at a few things in his game’: Michael Maguire explains call to drop Selwyn Cobbo

Michael Maguire has made a massive call to axe one of his biggest stars as the Broncos look to bounce back in their grudge match against the Titans.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire is confident Selwyn Cobbo can win back his starting spot and potentially earn a new contract at the club despite dropping the State of Origin hopeful to reserve grade this weekend.

Cobbo was initially named on the wing to take on the Titans on Saturday night but will instead play in the Queensland Cup after Maguire confirmed Josiah Karapani would come in to make his season debut after he played 10 games in 2024.

Selwyn Cobbo has been dropped to reserve grade as the Broncos search for answers following last week’s ugly loss to Manly. Picture: Brett Hemmings/Getty Images

“As a group and as a leadership group and as a coach, we’re pushing standards here and expectations in how we’re doing things,” Maguire said.

“Karapani’s got his opportunity and ‘Selly’s’ got to look at a few things in his game and we’ll go from there.

“Selly and I talk all the time about what we need to do, so I’ll keep that (conversation) between us.

“There’s obviously things that every player goes through at times and this is no different.

“Selly’s in the background doing his work to make sure he gets himself right.”

Cobbo remains unsigned for 2026, but Maguire insists his decision to drop the former Origin winger doesn’t mean the end of his time in Brisbane.

The powerful outside back has been challenged to win back his starting spot, with Broncos great Justin Hodges surprised Cobbo was the man to lose his spot after the Broncos were soundly beaten by Manly last week.

Cobbo doesn’t have a contract for next year and could be squeezed out of the Broncos. Picture: NRL Photos

“I’m here to coach the team. We’re creating standards and the team themselves, from the day when I walked in to where they are now, are still pushing those, which is exciting as a coach,” Maguire said.

“The more you meet those standards, the more opportunities you have.”

The Broncos have plenty of reasons to aim up this weekend, with everyone now on notice ahead of the derby where the club will celebrate skipper Adam Reynolds’ 300th NRL appearance.

It’s been a challenging couple of months for the Broncos who have dropped out of the top eight, but they have received a big boost with livewire fullback Reece Walsh returning from injury to breathe life into their attack.

“Reece is ready to go,” his coach said.

“We felt another week was required and he’s trained really well this week. I’m looking forward to bringing his energy back in. He’s a good player. I love coaching him, he’ll do his job for the team.”

Originally published as ‘Got to look at a few things in his game’: Michael Maguire explains call to drop Selwyn Cobbo