The Brisbane Broncos face a pressing deadline to secure a contract extension for their standout center, Selwyn Cobbo. With only a month left, the club risks losing him to a rival NRL team if they cannot finalize an agreement by November 1. Reports indicate that Cobbo will be available for bidding from that date, making it crucial for the Broncos to act swiftly.
As Cobbo approaches free agency, he has expressed a desire to remain with the Broncos. However, his versatility—able to play as a fullback, wing, or center—means numerous clubs will likely be eager to acquire him as a top-tier player for the 2026 season and beyond.
The Broncos are optimistic about retaining Cobbo, drawing parallels to their successful retention of Payne Haas last year just before the free agency deadline. Nevertheless, they are also in negotiations with other key players, including star fullback Reece Walsh and center Kotoni Staggs. The challenge lies in managing their salary cap effectively, as keeping all these players on high salaries may prove difficult.
Staggs currently earns about $700,000 this season, while Cobbo’s salary is approximately $625,000, which is expected to increase next year. With Cobbo being linked to the Roosters—who will lose their centers, Joey Manu and Joseph Sua’ali’i, to rugby union—there’s potential for him to command a significant salary increase at another club.
Commentator Corey Parker emphasized the financial realities of the situation, noting that if Cobbo enters the market, he could command around $1 million per season. Parker expressed disbelief that the Broncos have not yet made an offer to Cobbo, considering the foresight clubs typically have regarding salary cap planning. He raised concerns about how the Broncos would manage to retain both Cobbo and Staggs alongside other high-profile players already under lucrative contracts.
Cobbo’s potential remains high, and while he has faced personal challenges—such as leaving the Origin camp earlier this year—these factors could influence his decision-making. Stability is crucial for Cobbo, as he may find it challenging to adjust if he moves away from his home club.
His management team has indicated that Cobbo’s positional flexibility may impact his next contract, suggesting that the Broncos need to be proactive. Tasman Bartlett, his manager, believes Cobbo should remain with the Broncos for life, arguing that his market value would not significantly change if he goes to free agency. He anticipates that Cobbo would attract offers of $1 million or more if he tests the waters.
Since debuting in 2021, Cobbo has made a considerable impact, scoring 43 tries in 68 games for the Broncos and five tries in eight appearances for the Maroons. He has also represented Australia once. However, the current season has not been his strongest, as he has managed only six tries in 19 games after transitioning from wing to center.
The Broncos must navigate a complex situation in the coming weeks, balancing their desire to keep Cobbo while managing their overall roster and salary cap. With several clubs likely interested in making a bid, the next month will be crucial in determining Cobbo’s future in the NRL.
