Broncos bombshell as Selwyn Cobbo signs with NRL rival

Selwyn Cobbo has officially signed with a rival NRL club after making a sensational call to walk out on the Brisbane Broncos.

Selwyn Cobbo has officially signed with the Dolphins.

The 17th NRL club announced it pulled off the stunning raid on their Brisbane rivals just hours after it was first reported the star winger hade made a call to walk out on the Broncos at the end of the year.

The Dolphins announced on Friday morning Cobbo has signed a one-year contract through to the end of the 2026 season.

The Broncos have a salary cap squeeze following the re-signing of Adam Reynolds and Kotoni Staggs, resulting in Cobbo being offered a new deal worth just $300,000 per season.

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The Dolphins struck quickly and decisively.

Dolphins’ CEO Terry Reader said in a club statement: “The Dolphins have always said we are about continuing to build a roster that will make us one of the top teams in the NRL.

“Selwyn is an accomplished player who has done some amazing things at both Origin and NRL level already.

“But we believe he has untapped potential to go to even greater heights in our game and are excited about what he can do in a Dolphins jersey.”

Brisbane Broncos Selwyn Cobbo could be looking for a new club Picture NRL photos

There was yet another sign that Cobbo wouldn’t remain with the club when the club announced the re-signing of Josiah Karapani.

The 23-year-old was in State of Origin contention just a few weeks ago but has fallen out of favour, with the star outside back dropped to reserve grade and now seemingly set to leave the club at the end of the year.

Karapani has taken his spot on the wing and scored two crucial tries in the comeback win over the Sharks last week, with his solid form earning him a new two-year deal.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten earlier confirmed his interest in signing Cobbo, but only for the right price. The club’s offer was clearly not enough to lure Cobbo north.

Broncos General Manager of Football Operations, Troy Thomson, thanked Cobbo for his five seasons of outstanding commitment to the Club.

“Selwyn is not only a tremendous player, but he is a first-class human being,” Thomson said.

“I have had a very strong relationship with Selwyn in the Kangaroo’s environment and here at the Broncos and I’ve enjoyed working with him, both on and off the field.

“We look forward to his contribution as we continue the charge through the 2025 season and wish him well for the next chapter in his already remarkable career.”

Broncos board member Darren Lockyer, who is part of the club’s recruitment and retention committee, earlier said Cobbo was facing a “test” that could make or break his NRL career.

Selwyn Cobbo has been on the outer at Brisbane for several weeks. Picture NRL photos

Cobbo’s NRL career is at a crossroads as he lines up for Wynnum Manly against Redcliffe in the Hostplus Cup on Sunday at Kougari Oval.

The Cowboys made inquiries last week about a potential mid-season transfer similar to the one that saw Tom Dearden join the Cowboys from the Broncos before the June 30 deadline in 2021.

The Broncos blocked the transfer request.

And then the Dolphins went under the radar to pull off the coup.

Cobbo recently flew to Sydney to meet with the Dragons, who were also keen to sign Cobbo on a mid-season transfer, but they baulked at his asking price.

Originally published as Broncos bombshell as Selwyn Cobbo signs with NRL rival