AdminGorden Tallis has taken aim at the Broncos for their decision to focus on re-signing two experienced halfbacks instead of Selwyn Cobbo, who represents a promising future for the club.
Next season, Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt are set to don the Broncos jersey in what could potentially be their final year in top-tier football — meanwhile, Cobbo, at just 23, seems to be at risk of leaving a club he wishes to stay with.
Tallis stated that the Broncos have shown a lack of respect towards Cobbo by failing to allocate sufficient funds in their salary cap for his re-signing.
FOX LEAGUE, accessible via Kayo Sports, is the sole platform to watch every match of every round in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership, LIVE without ad interruptions during play. New to Kayo? Your first month is available for just $1.
“The situation with Selwyn Cobbo strikes me as amusing because I believe he represents the club’s future,” Tallis remarked on NRL 360.
“They have extended the contract of Kotoni Staggs. They have prioritized re-signing two 35-year-old players in the No.7 position and also retained another hooker (Blake Mozer) despite already having five. “
Then they have this emerging talent and they offer $300,000, which I find somewhat disrespectful for a State of Origin athlete, and I don’t believe he has lost that much skill.
“I believe that when Reece Walsh was sidelined and then returned to fullback, he was pivotal in several of those matches, but clearly, they do not want him.”
Phil Rothfield from The Daily Telegraph suggested that Reynolds might have been a factor in Cobbo’s departure from the club.
“The intriguing part is that Adam Reynolds mentioned he wouldn’t agree to a new contract until the other players did, as he didn’t want to push anyone out — yet that’s exactly what has happened,” Rothfield stated.
“I’m not placing blame, but it was a tough choice. ”
Rothfield disclosed that the Dragons were nearly pursuing Cobbo and highlighted the discrepancy between the Broncos’ position and Cobbo’s asking price.
“Selwyn Cobbo was in Sydney a fortnight ago, meeting with St George Illawarra and talking to coach Shane Flanagan,” Rothfield noted.
“They were looking at around $650,000 to $700,000, and St George was eager to negotiate for slightly less if they could secure him this season, due to injuries affecting their outside backs.
“I doubt it will come to fruition, but it does illustrate how far behind the Broncos are in meeting the expectations of the player and his manager. They aren’t even close. ”
NRL legend Braith Anasta remarked: “Let’s face it, they might think they still have a shot at retaining him, but in reality, they don’t.”
The Cowboys and Dolphins have also shown interest in Cobbo, although it has been reported that the latter team will refrain from extending an offer due to concerns regarding his performance and fitness.
Admin
