HE’S GOT NEXT…Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam Break Silence on Josiah Karapani Signing Two-Year Deal with Broncos to Replace Selwyn Cobbo—Inside the Emotional Reaction from Brisbane’s Stars and Why They Believe the Future Is Bright
Brisbane, QLD
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It’s official—Josiah Karapani is a Brisbane Bronco.
And while the announcement of Karapani’s two-year signing to replace outgoing star Selwyn Cobbo was met with mixed reactions from fans and pundits alike, those inside the Broncos’ inner sanctum aren’t hesitating to back the move.
In fact, two of the club’s biggest names—superstar fullback Reece Walsh and five-eighth dynamo Ezra Mam—have now come forward to publicly reveal their true feelings about the rising centre stepping into Cobbo’s boots.
And if their passionate words are anything to go by, Broncos fans have every reason to be excited about what’s to come.
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“WE SEE HIS WORK ETHIC EVERY DAY”
Speaking after Monday’s training session at Red Hill, Walsh didn’t hold back in expressing just how highly he rates the incoming centre.
> “Josiah’s one of the most hardworking players I’ve seen come through here,” Walsh said. “He’s been grinding behind the scenes for a while now, and people probably don’t realise how much he’s improved.”
The 22-year-old fullback, who’s become one of the NRL’s most electrifying figures since joining the Broncos, made it clear that Karapani’s talent is no secret among the playing group.
> “He’s got a strong build, good footwork, and he’s got that hunger in his eyes. We know what we’re getting with him—and we’re excited.”
Walsh, who formed a tight bond with Cobbo over the past two seasons, didn’t shy away from acknowledging that the 21-year-old Maroons winger would be missed.
> “Selwyn’s one of my brothers. It’s tough to see him go, for sure. But Josiah brings his own strengths. He’s hungry, he’s got a point to prove, and that energy is what we need heading into 2026.”
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MAM: “KARAPANI’S BEEN PATIENT—NOW IT’S HIS TIME”
Ezra Mam, who has become the Broncos’ spark plug in the halves, echoed Walsh’s confidence—and even went a step further.
> “Josiah’s got next,” Mam said firmly. “You look at his frame, the way he moves, how physical he is in contact—he’s built for this level.”
Mam, who’s seen Karapani working with the club’s extended squad during pre-seasons and opposed contact sessions, said the 23-year-old had long earned the respect of the squad.
> “He’s been waiting behind the scenes while guys like Selwyn and Kotoni [Staggs] have been starting. But now the door’s open, and he’s ready to take that opportunity.”
Mam believes Karapani brings more than just skill—he brings an edge.
> “He’s a no-nonsense type of player, but he’s also got a bit of that x-factor in him. Once he settles in, I reckon fans are going to be surprised by how damaging he can be.”
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WHO IS JOSIAH KARAPANI?
For the casual fan, Karapani’s name might not yet resonate like Cobbo’s or Walsh’s—but that may be about to change.
The 23-year-old, who came through the Rabbitohs system, played seven NRL games for South Sydney in 2024, showcasing impressive power and athleticism in limited minutes. Known for his ability to break tackles and defend strongly in the centres, Karapani has long been touted as a player just needing the right opportunity.
The Broncos see that opportunity now.
Brisbane’s head coach Michael Maguire spoke briefly at the club’s announcement of the signing on Monday afternoon:
> “Josiah’s a quality young man and a quality player. He’s been on our radar for a while, and with Selwyn moving on, this was the right time to bring him in.”
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COBBO EXIT OPENS DOOR—BUT PRESSURE COMES WITH IT
Selwyn Cobbo’s decision to sign with the Dolphins for the 2026 season left a major void in Brisbane’s backline—and big shoes to fill.
The 21-year-old has been one of the Broncos’ brightest stars in recent years, earning State of Origin honours and becoming a key figure in the club’s push for a premiership.
Karapani’s arrival, then, doesn’t come without pressure.
But Walsh believes the timing is right for the youngster to step up.
> “It’s all about trust. Josiah’s earned that trust from us already. We know what he brings, and now he’s going to show the fans.”
Mam added that while comparisons with Cobbo are inevitable, Karapani will write his own story.
> “He’s his own player. People are going to want to compare them, but Josiah’s got a different style. He’s more physical, more direct. I reckon he’s going to turn a few heads this year.”
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TEAMMATES RALLY BEHIND NEW-LOOK BACKLINE
While Karapani is expected to slot into the right centre position vacated by Cobbo, the Broncos may look to reshuffle their outside backs as the season progresses.
Veterans like Kotoni Staggs and Herbie Farnworth (should he return from injury) will play a role in steadying the transition, but the excitement around Karapani’s raw potential is palpable.
Captain Patrick Carrigan also chimed in on the move:
> “He’s a great bloke, real humble, and works hard. That’s what we want in a Bronco. I think he’s going to thrive in our system.”
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A NEW ERA TAKES SHAPE
With the Broncos aiming to return to Grand Final contention in 2026, Karapani’s signing marks the beginning of a new chapter.
There’s no doubt the loss of Selwyn Cobbo stings—but with core stars like Walsh, Mam, Carrigan, and Payne Haas still in place, Brisbane’s window remains open.
And now, with a hungry and explosive talent like Josiah Karapani added to the mix, that window might just open even wider.
> “We’ve got the talent, but more importantly we’ve got belief,” said Mam. “And Josiah believes too.”
As the Broncos enter preseason with a reshaped backline and a new identity forming, one thing is clear:
They’re all-in on Karapani.
And if the faith shown by Walsh and Mam is any indication, Broncos fans might just be witnessing the birth of their next breakout star.
