The Rooster is calling: Politis wants young gun Cobbo
ROOSTERS billionaire Nick Politis has entered the race for the signature of Broncos sensation Selwyn Cobbo as the Bondi powerhouse prepares for life after NSW Origin skipper James Tedesco.
Politis is so excited at the potential of Cobbo he took time out from an overseas working holiday to lodge an expression of interest in the young gun.
The Broncos have started negotiations to keep Cobbo at Red Hill until the end of 2025, but the battle for the teenager has intensified, with the Roosters circling the boom 19-year-old following his sizzling start to 2022.
Cobbo’s manager Tas Bartlett confirmed the Roosters have contacted him about the Queensland Origin hopeful, who is contracted to the Broncos until the end of 2023.
That gives Brisbane bosses a crucial six-month headstart to secure Cobbo before the Roosters or other clubs can launch a poaching raid.
“We’ve had inquiries from at least seven clubs, including the Roosters,” said Bartlett, of PSM.
“We’ve started talks with the Broncos but at this point in time we are in no rush because Selwyn is still contracted for another 18 months.
“I just want Selwyn to focus on playing well for the Broncos, especially with State of Origin around the corner.”
Roosters chairman Politis, a former Broncos shareholder, first made contact with Cobbo’s management after the rookie winger scored two tries in Brisbane’s 32-12 rout of the Rabbitohs in Sydney.
Watching the game from Greece, Politis spoke to Cobbo’s management. He rates the 100kg Bronco one of the best backline talents he has seen in 10 years. The Indigenous flyer then scored a stunning hat-trick in Brisbane’s 38-0 Magic Round flogging of Manly.
While Politis has interest in Cobbo, there is one significant impediment for the Roosters – the NRL salary cap.
The Roosters have a number of stars on their books, including $1m skipper Tedesco, and Politis will not launch a big-money raid on Cobbo if there is a risk of losing a key top-liner.