Broncos prepare $1m extension for exciting young fullback talent
BRISBANE has launched extension talks with Selwyn Cobbo in a $1mplus retention strike designed to stave off big-money poaching bids for the backline ace rated Brisbane’s version of Latrell Mitchell.
The Broncos have outlined plans to retain Cobbo until the end of 2026, as the Indigenous young gun prepares to make his debut at fullback in Brisbane’s final trial against the Cowboys on Saturday night.
In the space of 12 months, Cobbo has gone from a $60,000 unknown at feeder-club Wynnum Manly to one of the NRL’S next backline superstars set to celebrate a $1m-plus upgrade at the Broncos.
Broncos powerbrokers kicked off negotiations with Cobbo’s manager Tas Bartlett of PSM on Wednesday, and are open to a two or three-year extension for the 19-year-old whizkid.
Cobbo is already contracted to the Broncos until the end of 2023, but the threat of expressions of interest from several NRL suitors, including expansion rivals the Dolphins, has prompted Brisbane chiefs to act quickly.
Cobbo is on about $170,000 this season but with rival clubs indicating they are prepared to pay in excess of $600,000 annually, a three-year Broncos upgrade would be well north of the $1m mark.
The good news for the Broncos is they have an eight-month negotiating headstart before rival clubs can table formal offers on November 1 – and Cobbo’s preference is to stay loyal.
The classy winger, fullback or centre tallied seven NRL games last season after making his debut against the Dragons in round 13.
He says he has no reason to walk out on the Broncos if he is settled at the club.
“I grew up supporting the Broncos,” he said.
“I watched them every time they played and I always hoped I could play for them.
“I don’t really care about contracts at other clubs. I’m really worried about where I am now and I’m happy at the Broncos.
“Sometimes, passion is more important and I’m passionate about the Broncos and my football here.
“If everything is going well, I wouldn’t mind staying where I am.”
Cobbo made his Indigenous All Stars debut a fortnight ago and his meteoric rise will continue in Mackay on Saturday night when he trades fullback blows with the Cowboys’ Queensland Origin star Hamiso Tabuai-fidow.
Cobbo was expected to start on the left wing for Brisbane’s season opener against Souths on March 11, but a hamstring injury to first-choice fullback Tesi Niu has blown the battle for the No.1 jumper wide open.
While Cobbo is still raw with his backfield positioning and communication, he has the physical tools at 190cm and 100kg to fire in the No.1 and has been studying the game of Dally M winner Tom Trbojevic.