Michael Maguire denies bad blood with Selwyn Cobbo ahead of shot at redemption against Bulldogs
Michael Maguire has rubbished suggestions of a rift between himself and Selwyn Cobbo, with the Cherbourg flyer preparing for a shot at redemption as he returns to the Broncos side.
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire has addressed talk of a rift with Selwyn Cobbo as he backed the departing match-winner to keep Brisbane’s top-four hopes alive on Friday night.
Superstar fullback Reece Walsh’s selection in Queensland’s squad for the Origin decider has opened the door for the exiled Cobbo to return from reserve grade in Brisbane’s blockbuster against the Bulldogs in Sydney.
Maguire sensationally axed Cobbo to the Queensland Cup last month, a decision which convinced the ex-Queensland Origin star to seek a fresh start by inking a one-year deal with arch-rivals the Dolphins for 2026.
There was a fear Cobbo had played his last game in Broncos colours, but Walsh’s surprise call-up as 18th man for the Maroons has prompted Maguire to give the Cherbourg flyer another shot at redemption.
Cobbo will play in his preferred fullback position against the Bulldogs and Maguire urged the 23-year-old to capitalise on his lucky break, insisting there is no bad blood between the pair.
“I have a lot of time for ‘Selly’, he’s a great young man,” Maguire said as Cobbo braces for a backfield showdown with in-form Bulldog Connor Treacy.
“There’s no issue at all.
“Everyone here at the Broncos has a high regard for Selwyn.
“It is hard. Every coach goes through it in all organisations across the game.
“You build relationships with your players. I’ve been out to meet Selly’s family. I’ve been up there at Cherbourg and I learnt a lot.
“Selly’s obviously a crowd favourite, but unfortunately, you can’t keep everyone. It happens at every club but it’s louder at our club because of our profile and the circumstances of where we were at (on the NRL ladder).
“He knows what he needs to do and he’s working towards that.
“When Selly’s at his best, he’s a great player.”
Cobbo’s demotion to feeder club Wynnum Manly came as somewhat of a shock because his numbers suggested the former Maroon was having a solid season.
In his opening 12 matches, Cobbo averaged 151 metres per game to go with five tries and 52 tackle busts, but there were concerns over his urgency and commitment to training standards.
Maguire always wanted Cobbo to be better conditioned and he says the powerful outside back is in a good headspace as the Broncos chase a fourth consecutive win on Friday night.
“Selly’s been good over the last month,” Maguire said.
“As much as you talk about turbulence, we have worked through things and Selly is now focused on playing with his teammates.
“I always like to think that I reward players on their performances. He’s been able to do that. Selly’s performing now to where I want him.
“It was just a matter of getting the opportunities.
“If he performs, he will be in the side. I’ve said this all along.
“If Selwyn is doing his job and playing to the standards I know he is capable of, absolutely I will have him in the team.
“He is in good form at the moment, he trained really well (at the captain’s run on Thursday) and he has trained well all week, so he is ready to go.”
The Broncos are two wins adrift of the fourth-placed Warriors and Queensland halfback great Cooper Cronk believes Brisbane will make the top four.
“The Broncos are a dangerous team this year from now on,” said Fox League expert Cronk.
“I think they’ll finish fourth.
“Michael Maguire is trying to bring this consistency of toughness and long-game mentality to the side.
“If the Broncos just meet in the middle and have that game style where they can play for long minutes and defend well, then also have the firepower to come in and score points, that is the recipe for success.”
More Coverage
Originally published as Michael Maguire denies bad blood with Selwyn Cobbo ahead of shot at redemption against Bulldogs
North Queensland Cowboys NRLW Squad breakdown 2025
North Queensland will roll out a new-look spine on Saturday with four representative stars joining forces to steer the Cowboys in 2025. Meet the squad and find out more about every player.
‘Lost a complete half of me’: Hastings’ heartfelt tribute to mum
Knights star Jackson Hastings has paid a heartfelt tribute to his mother Megan, describing her as his rock, his best friend and No.1 supporter after her shock passing.