Cobbo and Staggs on Origin collision course
Selwyn Cobbo has surged into contention for a possible State of Origin showdown with his Broncos centre partner and mentor Kotoni Staggs.
Cobbo has switched to centre for the Broncos following Herbie Farnworth’s move to the Dolphins and is growing in confidence in his new role.
Dolphins flyer Hamiso TabuaiFidow played all three Origin games at centre last year but has been ruled out for four to six weeks with a hamstring injury so his selection for the series opener on June 5 in Sydney is far from a formality.
Cobbo, who played wing in the first Origin game last year before missing the second through injury, was not recalled for the third game after Xavier Coates shone in his absence.
“Anyone would love to play Origin,’’ Cobbo said. “If I get selected I will do my job for the team and state. My head is with the Broncos but if I get the callup I will play my part in Origin.’’
There is a chance Cobbo could face a NSW side containing his Broncos centre partner Staggs, who is in the discussion for a Blues berth. “Kotoni is one of the best centres in the game,’’ Cobbo said. “I have played outside him (on the wing) and learned a lot off him.
“He has been really helpful at training talking to me about the stuff I need to improve.’’
Staggs has played only one match for the Blues – in 2022 – but played end-of-season Tests for Australia last year.
Cobbo was visited by another mentor, former Broncos great Steve Renouf, in the dressing room after the Broncos’ win over the Dolphins on Friday.
Both are products of the South Burnett region. Renouf was raised in Murgon and Cobbo in nearby Cherbourg.
“It is good to have him in here after games and he seemed pretty happy tonight,’’ Cobbo said. “He came up to me and was really happy with my performance.
“It is pretty special to play in the same position as him, especially coming from the same place as well. He mentored me growing up and when I moved down (to Brisbane) and has been great for me. He is a good mentor.
“It was pretty tough at the start trying to handle what it is like being an NRL player but I am pretty used to it now. I know the expectation that comes with it and have confidence in what I do.’’