Brisbane Broncos block Cowboys’ bid to sign Selwyn Cobbo before June 30 transfer deadline

Brisbane has dug their heels in to block a potential mid-season with North Queensland after the Cowboys made moves to poach Selwyn Cobbo before the June 30 transfer deadline.

Brisbane have blocked the Cowboys’ poaching bid to sign Selwyn Cobbo before the June 30 transfer deadline as the Broncos fight to keep the out-of-favour Origin star at Red Hill.

This masthead can reveal North Queensland chiefs made inquiries with the Cobbo camp about an immediate mid-season transfer in the lead-up to Sunday’s clash against the Titans on the Gold Coast.

The Cowboys backline stocks have taken a hit with Semi Valemei (ankle) and Viliami Vailea (foot) sidelined at a time when struggling North Queensland are desperately trying to stay in touch with the top eight.

That prompted besieged coach Todd Payten to explore the open market, with Cowboys bosses launching a poaching raid on Cobbo, who is on the outer under Michael Maguire at the Broncos.

The Cowboys have made moves to try and sign Broncos star Selwyn Cobbo before the June 30 deadline. Picture: NRL Imagery

Cobbo remains off-contract at season’s end and the Broncos have yet to table a formal offer for the Cherbourg match-winner, who has gone from Queensland Origin stardom to reserve grader in a stunning 12-month freefall.

The Cowboys were keen to snare Cobbo urgently with a view to playing him in this week’s clash against the Titans at Cbus Super Stadium.

But the Broncos have dug their heels in and baulked at a mid-season transfer, with coach Maguire refusing to give up hope of Cobbo remaining at Red Hill next season.

Cowboys football boss Micheal Luck confirmed the club’s interest in Cobbo, who was dropped to the Hostplus Cup a fortnight ago in favour of Josiah Karapani.

In another major twist, Karapani agreed to terms on Tuesday on a two-year extension with Brisbane – all-but closing the door on Cobbo’s hopes of being a Bronco in 2026.

“We’ve had some injuries to our outside backs over the past month,” Luck said.

“We have Semi Valemei and Viliame Valiea out for extended periods of time, so we are looking at everyone’s list to see if there are any outside backs who can help us out.

“Every club is looking for good players and there’s no doubt Selwyn is an outstanding talent.”

Broncos coach Michael Maguire is refusing to give up hope of keeping Selwyn Cobbo in Brisbane. Picture: Lachie Millard

Cobbo has held talks with Cowboys bosses as Payten assesses whether the 23-year-old would be the right fit for the club at the right price.

With time running out, it’s unlikely that the Cowboys will pull off a Cobbo heist before June 30, but he may yet end up at Townsville next season depending on his asking price in negotiations.

As revealed by this masthead, Cobbo flew to Sydney for talks with the Dragons, but the Cowboys and Dolphins are more likely destinations as Queensland clubs.

Cobbo is on around $650,000 this season and it’s uncertain whether the Cowboys, Dragons and Dolphins would want to sign the former Maroons flyer at his current rate.

The Cowboys are missing X-factor out wide following the departure of strike weapon Valentine Holmes to the Dragons and Cobbo could be a matchwinner in the tropics in the right frame of mind.

Broncos boss Dave Donaghy conceded on Sunday the club and Cobbo’s management are a fair way apart in negotiations, with the utility back facing a pay cut of around $300,000 to remain at Red Hill.

Brisbane’s salary-cap space has been further eroded after Cobbo’s wing rival Karapani was rewarded with a two-year deal, a sign Maguire is highly impressed with the South Sydney discard.

Josiah Karapani has been rewarded with a two-year contract extension, suggesting Cobbo is on borrowed time at the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images

Well-placed sources close to the Broncos say Cobbo looks “unhappy” at Red Hill.

Broncos hooker Billy Walters hopes Cobbo doesn’t quit the club and appealed for the one-time golden boy to fight his way back into the top grade at Brisbane.

“I suppose Selwyn just has to be patient and find the love for footy again,” he said.

“He’s a great player, he’s a great asset to have and he’s definitely in our top 17 players.

“We’re here to support ‘Selly’ in whatever he needs to do.

“We love having him at the club. We love having him in our team.

“Selly is a special player. I’m sure he’ll have no dramas finding his way back into the NRL and causing havoc again.”

Broncos prop Corey Jensen, a former Cowboy, added: “Everyone here loves having Selwyn around.

“What he’s going through at the moment is on him and I guess he has to do what’s best for himself and his family, but we’re all around here to support him.”

Originally published as Brisbane Broncos block Cowboys’ bid to sign Selwyn Cobbo before June 30 transfer deadline