CLASSY COBBO IN THE MIX FOR MAROONS
QUEENSLAND coach Billy Slater has revealed he is considering Selwyn Cobbo for a shock Origin debut as Brisbane’s Magic Round rivals Manly hatch plans to poach the Broncos teen sensation.
The Sea Eagles are reportedly one of seven clubs to have expressed interest in the brilliant Cobbo, who has rocketed into Origin contention ahead of his 17th NRL game on Friday against Manly at Suncorp Stadium.
Cobbo’s predecessor on the Broncos wing, Xavier Coates, made his Queensland debut after just 15 games and Slater said he would not be afraid to hand the 19-year-old his Maroons debut in Origin I at Homebush on June 8.
The 100kg winger ran riot at NSW’S home ground just last week, scoring two tries in
Brisbane’s 32-12 rout of Souths, and Maroons legend Slater confirmed he would be watching several Broncos on Friday, including Cobbo.
“I have been so impressed with Selwyn Cobbo,” said Slater, who played the first of his 31 Origin games at age 20.
“Selwyn is doing a lot of things right, he is really standing out. I will make a decision on Selwyn in a few weeks’ time, but for me, your age is your age and you only get experience in Origin by experiencing the actual game. I want to see actions each week and I love
Selwyn’s aggression.’’
Coates and Kyle Feldt are the frontrunners for Maroons wing spots for Game One, but Cobbo can send an emphatic message to Slater and selectors with another barnstorming display against the Sea Eagles.