Broncos reject Selwyn Cobbo early transfer as Dolphins winger Junior Tupou joins Roosters

The Dolphins made a pre-emptive roster cull in a bit to facilitate the mid-season move of Selwyn Cobbo, but the Broncos have shut down any hopes of an early transfer.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire has flatly rejected an immediate release for Selwyn Cobbo to the Dolphins as tensions flared between the two Brisbane rivals.

Maguire rubbished suggestions Cobbo could be granted an urgent mid-season switch to the Dolphins just days out from the June 30 transfer deadline.

The Dolphins have made fresh attempts to secure Cobbo, who will join Redcliffe in 2026, immediately after granting Junior Tupou a release to return to Sydney.

It is understood that Tupou will join the Roosters immediately as a replacement for Dom Young who left the club two weeks ago to sign with the Knights.

Selwyn Cobbo plays fullback for the Broncos against the Bulldogs. Piture: NRL Images

The Dolphins have one spot left in their 30-man full-time roster this season - but Maguire says Cobbo is going nowhere and will see out the 2025 campaign in Broncos colours.

“Selwyn is going to be with us this year,” he said after Brisbane’s 26-12 defeat of the Warriors.

“He’s a Bronco.

“I had a really good conversation with him yesterday, he wants to be here and get the opportunity to win a competition at the Broncos.

“He has said that since I’ve been here and he still has that opportunity.

“He is working hard in the background and is looking fit, so I’m looking forward when the time is right having him back in selection.”

Junior Tupou is joining the Roosters. Picture: NRL Imagery

The Roosters have pounced on Tupou to provide them some much needed cover to their outside back following Young’s decision to leave. Veteran Daniel Tupou may also play in the final months of his career as he ponders retiring at the end of the season.

Junior Tupou’s stint at the Dolphins lasted just two games having signed a three year deal to join the Dolphins after a successful stint at the Tigers.

Tupou played in the Dolphins’ opening two games of the season but has not been seen in first grade since. He had been named to start on the wing for the Dolphins clash against South Sydney on Saturday night but dropped out of the squad given his impending switch.

The 22-year-old played 34 games, scoring 10 tries during his three year stint at the Tigers.

He will be in line to make his Roosters debut against the Tigers next Sunday given Rob Toia’s likely inclusion in the Queensland team.

BIG PAPA TO HEAD OVERSEAS RATHER THAN TACKLE HIS BELOVED RAIDERS

- David Riccio

Raiders legend Josh Papali’i is closing in on a deal in England that will pull down the curtain on his incredible NRL career.

In what could prove to be an extraordinary dose of motivation for the second-placed Raiders premiership pursuit, one of their greatest-ever players is eyeing a switch to the UK despite receiving interest from rival NRL clubs.

The decision to pursue a contract in England is based on Papalii being unwilling to remain in the NRL and be made to play against his beloved Raiders.

The development has emerged amid reports from the UK that Papali’i is in negotiations with St Helens to sign a two-year deal, beginning next season.

The Daily Telegraph has learned that the champion prop, who is the most-capped Raider of all-time, has been transparent with Raiders management about his intention to extend his career overseas.

The 33-year-old, who has played 319 NRL matches, is enjoying some of the best football of his career, having made his debut for Canberra in 2011.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said he was uncertain of Papalii’s discussions with any other clubs, but confirmed it would be the champion prop’s last season for the Green Machine.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Josh Papali'i of the Raiders celebrates winning the round 13 NRL match between Sydney Roosters and Canberra Raiders at Allianz Stadium, on June 01, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

“Papa (Papalii) came and spoke to (CEO) Don Furner and I some time ago and told us that he has some interest in England and also other NRL clubs and he simply said, I can’t play against the Raiders and I’ll look to secure a contract in England at some stage,’’ Stuart told The Daily Telegraph.

“From our club’s point of view, we couldn’t be prouder of Josh.

“He’s been an extremely loyal player and when the discussion turns to legends of the Raiders, one of the first name’s spoken will be Papa’s.

“How this unfolds for Papa I’m not sure, but what I do know is that he’ll give everything he has until the very last step he takes on the field for the Raiders.’’

Papalii will pull on the Raiders jersey for the 320th time against the Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium on Friday night.