Michael Maguire’s decision was vindicated as Brisbane thumped the Titans.
Selwyn Cobbo might be hard-pressed getting back into the Broncos’ first-grade team anytime soon after Josiah Karapani bagged a double and looked very strong on Saturday night. Karapani scored two of Brisbane’s eight tries as the Broncos bounced back to form with a 44-14 thrashing of the Titans.
Starting in place of the axed Cobbo, Karapani had 15 runs for 176 metres, as well as three tackle breaks and two line breaks. The 23-year-old, who’d only played 11 games in first grade before Saturday night, doubled his career try tally and looked every bit an NRL player.
He vindicated coach Michael Maguire’s decision to bring him in to replace Cobbo, after also getting the nod over regular first-grader Deine Mariner. Cobbo was spotted at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night, and helped the team run through their warmup drills.
He appeared to be in good spirits, and reportedly took his demotion well. Maguire explained the decision to dump him to reserve grade on Friday, saying: “As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we’re pushing standards here and expectations in how we’re doing things, and Karapani’s got his opportunity and Selly’s got to look at a few things in his game.
(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he’s been playing through the pre -season … and he’s obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he’s played really well. I know he’ll do a good job.”
Maguire refused to divulge on the areas of Cobbo’s game he wants to see improved, but said he “definitely” could force his way back into the side. “I’m here to coach the team. We’re creating standards and … the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have,” Maguire said.
Selwyn Cobbo on the outer at Brisbane Broncos
Complicating the situation with Cobbo is the fact he’s off-contract at the end of 2025. According to reports, the Broncos haven’t tabled him a formal offer and have prioritised the re-signing of centre Kotoni Staggs.
With Gehamat Shibasaki and Jesse Arthars proving themselves as genuine first-graders, and Grant Anderson set to join the Broncos from Melbourne in 2026, it’s looking increasingly likely that Cobbo will depart. If the Broncos choose to keep Cobbo, it’ll likely be a one-year extension that would allow him to chase the riches on offer at expansion teams Perth or PNG from 2027.
On Saturday night, fans were quick to point out the tricky task that Cobbo faces in getting back into the team considering Karapani’s performance. Unless there’s an injury or Reece Walsh is called up for State of Origin duty for Queensland, Cobbo is set for a decent stint in Queensland Cup.
One person wrote on social media: “When the media chimed up and slated Madge from dropping Cobbo, you just knew Karapani would salute. He did. Brilliant.”
Another wrote: “Karapani has got to retain his position after tonight. I like him a lot more than Cobbo on that wing.” While a third added: “Cobbo aint coming back into this side anytime soon. Just the response we needed. Karapani has stood up.”
