AdminBrisbane’s recent decision to retain three players has sparked increased interest in the status of Selwyn Cobbo.
On Thursday afternoon, the Brisbane Broncos revealed significant signing developments, confirming that Adam Reynolds, Kotoni Staggs, and Blake Mozer would all remain with the team, providing insight into both the immediate and future outlook at Red Hill.
However, this brings many uncertainties regarding the roster, with the most pressing question centering on Selwyn Cobbo’s fate.
It is clear that the Broncos will face a salary cap crunch, yet what seems to work in their favor is the apparent lack of interest in Cobbo.
According to sources, Cobbo’s existing contract at Red Hill is valued at $650,000 annually.
The 23-year-old has struggled this season under Michael Maguire and is currently playing in the Queensland Cup.
Consequently, his market value has diminished, despite the considerable talent he possesses.
Maguire’s remarks following Cobbo’s demotion indicated that the outside back is not meeting the necessary standards.
Whether the representative winger can become a dependable player for Maguire is contingent upon his own performance.
As his market value wanes, the possibility of him fitting into Brisbane’s roster increases.
It will be fascinating to observe how the Broncos handle their players’ salaries, especially with over 10 individuals coming off contract at the end of the season.
Cobbo is among them, but is he truly a necessity?
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Analyzing Brisbane’s backing line
Cobbo is capable of playing wing and fullback, with some ability to play center, although he did face challenges in that position last season.
Under contract in the backline beyond this season are Jesse Arthars, Deine Mariner, Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, and Reece Walsh.
Reece Walsh celebrates his try against the Titans. (Getty)
Notable out-of-contract players include Josiah Karapani, who has recently made his debut at Cobbo’s expense. Israel Leota is an emerging talent, while Hayze Perham, currently on a development contract, suffered an ACL injury at the start of the year. Delouise Hoeter has not featured in a match since 2023, having spent the previous season sidelined due to injury.
Based on these facts, one might argue that depth is a concern for the Broncos, and they cannot afford a player of Cobbo’s caliber to underperform as a result.
But where is the focus shifting in Brisbane’s roster?
The hooker and halves dilemma
Brisbane has created challenges for themselves in this area.
The list includes Ben Hunt, Billy Walters, Cory Paix, Blake Mozer, and Tyson Smoothy.
They possess five potential hookers for both the starting lineup and bench roles.
Ben Hunt. (Getty)
While Walters and Hunt bring value with their adaptability, this results in a duo of utilities.
Smoothy will depart for the Super League next season, shifting the focus to who will be signed to occupy that roster spot.
Next, we turn to the halves.
Both Walters and Hunt are included here. Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam appear to be the clear starters, with Josh Rogers and Jock Madden rounding out the depth positions.
Rogers and Madden are under contract until the conclusion of 2026. Brisbane has attempted to move Madden to achieve roster balance, but with limited success.
Then there is Coby Black, viewed as the future. Reynolds’ extension provides Black an additional year in the Queensland Cup.
Jordan Uta has been sin-binned following several lapses in judgment from the young player.
Or will the Broncos consider easing him into next season by placing him on the bench?
It would seem illogical with Walters and Hunt available. Additionally, Mozer will be primed to step in off the bench next season as well. Paix is nearing the end of his contract, but his consistent first-grade performance this season has likely secured him a new deal.
Brisbane’s enthusiasm for utilities, halves, and hookers is impacting their capabilities in other areas. This leads us to the forwards.
Who is next in line?
The Broncos must have been anticipating Brendan Piakura would have become an 80-minute second-row player by now.
Brendan Piakura (Getty)
He has consistently showcased immense talent and was part of the Queensland squad last year.
However, since his debut in 2021, Piakura has yet to reach his potential. Although his performance against the Titans last week indicated a significant improvement.
Regarding the starting forward unit, Corey Jensen, Payne Haas, Piakura, Jordan Riki, and Patrick Carrigan are all standout players.
Kobe Hetherington has always been highly regarded and pushed Carrigan to the prop position this season, but it did not pan out, and he has returned to the bench.
Xavier Willison is beginning to find his form, while Jack Gosiweski and Jaiyden Hunt add depth.
Nonetheless, it’s evident that Brisbane is reluctant to utilize their depth options during the Origin period, opting not to give Haas and Carrigan a respite.
Ben Talty has also been recently recruited from NSW Cup. Ben Te Kura represents future potential but has yet to secure a spot. Fletcher Baker performed well at the Roosters but is struggling to find his rhythm with Brisbane.
Fletcher Baker. (Twitter)
Jensen and Baker are approaching the end of their contracts, and it appears unlikely that Baker will be retained.
Jensen provides an ideal complementary dynamic with Haas. It would be unexpected if he weren’t re-signed.
Hetherington, Gosiweski, and Hunt are also out of contract. Is a roster overhaul on the horizon?
The recruitment expert that Brisbane should never have let go.
When Ben Ikin transitioned from the NRL 360 desk to the football and performance role at the Broncos in June 2021, it promised to yield impressive results.
Then Broncos football director Ben Ikin operated from the sideline during the second round match against the Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on March 10, 2023.
Ben Ikin during his time with the Broncos. (Getty)
In the year 2022, Brisbane made a significant leap from 14th place to 9th.
Just as it seemed that his efforts were yielding significant benefits, Ikin departed in mid-2023 following a disagreement with coach Kevin Walters.
That season, Brisbane reached the grand final but fell short.
Among Ikin’s most commendable signings were the lesser-known talents, such as Zac Hosking, Corey Jensen, and Te Maire Martin.
Since then, the team has faced disappointing outcomes and some intriguing recruitment decisions.
Speaking on Kenty Blitz a month prior, Ikin shared insights into his recruitment strategy.
“Traditionally, when assembling a roster, the focus is primarily on two factors: capability, can they play? And character, are they a good person? ” he remarked.
“But what I discovered is that the third, and indeed more crucial, aspect is compatibility. Do they mesh well? And do they align with the head coach’s vision? Because that’s the multiplier effect, the compounding factor that creates outstanding teams.
“Ultimately, you achieve alignment when you have a coach who understands how he wants to play, establishes the standards he desires within the organization, and possesses the courage to communicate that to everyone. Over time, all members of your roster will become aware of those values, those standards, and the desired style of play, and they either buy into it or you need to let them go. . . what you end up with is a cohesive group, including the staff, all striving towards the same goals in a unified manner. “
Brisbane Broncos will face off against the Gold Coast Titans in Round 14 of the 2025 NRL Premiership at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.
This is now the challenge facing Maguire.
Is this roster compatible with him? Clearly, Reynolds, Mozer, and Staggs must be.
As for Cobbo? When he first emerged, it would have seemed a million-dollar question by now. Now, it’s just a question.
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