Sharks star Ronaldo Mulitalo shopped to the Broncos amid uncertainty over Selwyn Cobbo’s future

The Broncos are about to kick off contract talks with Selwyn Cobbo but that hasn’t stopped a rival Test winger being offered to the club. See the latest transfer news.

Kiwis flyer Ronaldo Mulitalo has been shopped to the Broncos as Brisbane prepares to launch contract talks with Maroons star Selwyn Cobbo.

Mulitalo’s availability beyond this year has been put on the radar of Broncos officials as the Cronulla winger weighs up his long-term future.

Mulitalo, 25, played junior football in the Ipswich area after moving to Australia from New Zealand.

He infamously went within a whisker of playing State of Origin for Queensland in 2021 before being ruled out on game day when it was discovered he did not satisfy eligibility criteria.

Since then, Mulitalo has gone on to become one of the NRL’s strike wingers at Cronulla and a Kiwis representative.

Off-contract Sharks star Ronaldo Mulitalo has been shopped to the Broncos. Picture: NRL Photos

His past three seasons for the Sharks have netted 56 tries in 70 games, making him an attractive proposition for rival clubs.

Mulitalo was also handed his New Zealand Test debut in 2022 by former Kiwis coach Michael Maguire, who is now in charge of the Broncos.

Mulitalo is expected to re-sign with the Sharks, but the fact the Broncos have been approached suggests he is exploring his options on the open market.

The Broncos are not actively pursuing Mulitalo but have been sounded out about their interest in the Sharks sensation amid uncertainty around the future of Brisbane’s outside backs.

Veteran Broncos winger Corey Oates retired at the end of last year and emerging talent Israel Leota is yet to kick on to the top grade as hoped.

Former Blues centre Kotoni Staggs is off-contract at the end of this season along with Cobbo, who is returning to the wing under Maguire in 2025.

The Broncos are preparing to ramp up contract talks with Selwyn Cobbo, after putting discussions on hold late last year. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Broncos have signed Melbourne Storm back Grant Anderson for 2026 and beyond and are not desperate to recruit outside backs at this stage, unless they lose key players to rivals.

The Broncos put contract extension negotiations with Cobbo on-hold late last year as the 22-year-old dealt with personal issues off the field.

That decision meant Brisbane did not re-sign Cobbo before he became a free agent for 2026 and beyond on November 1 last year.

Cobbo is now open to being poached by rival clubs but his preference is to remain at Red Hill.

Cobbo has impressed Maguire with his attitude in pre-season training since Christmas despite being moved back to the wing after being tested at centre last year by former coach Kevin Walters.

With Cobbo getting back on track, the Broncos are expected to resume contract talks next month in the hope of retaining the Queensland Origin representative long-term.

The Broncos have already signed Melbourne Storm back Grant Anderson for 2026 and beyond. Picture: Getty Images

LODGE SET TO LAND NRL LIFELINE

—Michael Carayannis

St George Illawarra are set to hand Matt Lodge an NRL lifeline with the experienced prop expected to agree to a deal to join the Dragons.

The Dragons have been craving out for an experienced middle and have flirted with the prospect of signing Lodge all pre-season. That now looks like it will eventuate with the shape of the deal yet to be agreed. Lodge could arrive on a train and trial contract with the prospect of a top 30 deal on the table.

Lodge had been linked to a move to South Sydney but that deal did not eventuate. Instead, the Dragons are now the most likely destination for Lodge and they will become his third club in as many seasons and his sixth NRL side.

Manly were keen to retain the 29-year-old but on a reduced wage. He instead opted to test the open market as he looks to add to his 121-game career.

Former Manly star Matt Lodge has signed a lifeline train and trial deal to join the Dragons. Picture: NRL Imagery

The Dragons do have a top 30 roster spot open with the club having 29 contracted players. They are keen to keep that door ajar to land another player externally but they may use their final roster spot to upgrade Lodge.

Dragons coach Shane Flanagan knows Lodge during his stint as an assistant coach at Manly before he took on St George Illawarra’s top job last year.

Lodge has experienced train and trial contracts before. He signed one when he originally joined Manly midway through the 2023 season from the Roosters before having a top 30 deal last year.

Train and trial players earn $1200 per week. They will pocket $3000 per first grade game they play, however they’re ineligible to be picked until round 11 — unless they win NRL approval.

Lodge played nine games for Manly last year after making his way back from a season-ending knee injury in 2023.

If Lodge is given a top 30 deal he would push for a round one bench spot at the Dragons.

Originally published as Sharks star Ronaldo Mulitalo shopped to the Broncos amid uncertainty over Selwyn Cobbo’s future