BRONCOS MOVE FAST TO SECURE YOUNG GUN
BRISBANE has launched extension talks with Selwyn Cobbo in a $1 million-plus retention strike designed to stave off big-money poaching bids for the backline ace rated the club’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 started negotiations on Wednesday with Cobbo’s manager Tas Bartlett and are open to a two or three-year extension for the 19-year-old whiz-kid.
Cobbo is already contracted to the Broncos until the end of 2023, but the threat of expressions of interest from NRL suitors, including expansion rivals the Dolphins, has prompted Brisbane chiefs to act quickly.
Cobbo is on around $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 $1 million 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 and says he has no reason to walk out on the Broncos if he is settled at the club.
“I grew up supporting the Broncos. I watched them every time they played and I always hoped I could play for them,” Cobbo said.
“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.”
Brisbane board member Darren Lockyer says the Broncos want to take Cobbo off the market before a bidding war can break out.
If negotiations progress, the parties are hoping Cobbo will ink his new Broncos deal within the month.
“It’s already been mentioned a few times his comparisons to Greg Inglis and Latrell, Selwyn certainly moves like that,” Lockyer said.
“He was school captain before he joined the Broncos, so that shows Selwyn has a good attitude and when you factor in his athleticism and his football awareness, we’re keen to keep him.”
Cobbo has the physical tools at 190cm and 100kg to fire in the No.1 jumper for the Broncos.