NRL 2025: Michael Maguire reverts Selwyn Cobbo back to wing in attempt to restore Broncos star to best form
Michael Maguire has launched ‘Operation Save Selwyn’ at the Broncos by making a bold move in an attempt to restore the Queensland Origin star to his best form.
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Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has shifted Selwyn Cobbo to his most damaging position as the Broncos launched ‘Operation Save Selwyn’ to rescue the Maroons star.
Cobbo will revert back to the right wing when the Broncos launch their 2025 NRL Premiership campaign in March.
The Cherbourg flyer took the NRL by storm in 2022 with 15 tries in a 10-game blitz that saw him become a Queensland Origin sensation in the infancy of his NRL career.
Cobbo developed into one of the NRL’s most potent attacking weapons out wide with his mix of size, speed, strength and athleticism making him a nightmare for opposition defenders.
He continued his dominance in 2023 with a career-best season that helped the Broncos make the grand final, losing in heartbreaking circumstances to Penrith.
Cobbo moved into the centres last year but failed to have the same impact during a season marred by form struggles, personal issues and Brisbane’s crash to 12th on the ladder.
Off-contract at season’s end, the Broncos have put negotiations with Cobbo on hold as they attempt to bring some stability to the 22-year-old’s life.
The Broncos are determined to help Cobbo carve out a successful long-term career in the NRL and ensure he is not lost to the game amid a challenging period in his life.
Part of that is getting him to fire on the field and new coach Maguire believes a return to his most destructive role will help Cobbo regain his mojo.
“Selwyn has come back in good shape,” Maguire said.
“He is in a really good frame of mind. I’m looking forward to this next month and seeing how he develops.
“At the moment I’ve been playing him on the wing. With what he can do and his carries, how he can play and his height, he is probably on the wing at the moment.
“But we can utilise him in the centres if needed as well as fullback.”
Cobbo was spotted at Red Hill this week training out wide alongside right centre Kotoni Staggs, a throwback to the combination that tormented the NRL during Brisbane’s 2023 grand final season.
Cobbo scored 20 tries in 24 games that year as well as a double for Queensland in his only Origin appearance in the 2023 series. Staggs scored 13 tries in 26 games, arguably his best NRL season.
On the left side of the field, speedster Deine Mariner is the front runner for centre with the reliable and versatile Jesse Arthars on the wing.
Journeyman Gehamat Shibasaki has also been getting reps in at left centre and Maguire said he was still running his eye over Brisbane’s backline contenders in the lead-up to next month’s trials.
“I still haven’t made my mind up,” he said.
“Everyone is playing for a spot, that’s what this period of the season is about. You have to get the best out of yourself and turn up to training every day.”
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Originally published as NRL 2025: Michael Maguire reverts Selwyn Cobbo back to wing in attempt to restore Broncos star to best form
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