Broncos’ Selwyn Cobbo at Crossroads: Darren Lockyer Reveals the “Test” Behind Shock Axing and Contract Snub
Selwyn Cobbo, one of the NRL’s most exciting young stars and a six-time State of Origin representative, finds himself in a storm of uncertainty at the Brisbane Broncos. The 23-year-old was recently dropped from the Broncos’ top squad and reportedly offered a significantly reduced contract—sparking fierce debate about his future, his value, and the direction the club is taking.
Broncos director and Queensland legend Darren Lockyer has stepped in to explain what’s really happening behind the scenes, telling Wide World of Sports’ QLDER that Cobbo is being “tested”, not discarded.
Lockyer revealed that the club deliberately chose not to include Cobbo among the trio of recent high-profile re-signings—a decision that has raised eyebrows and drawn heavy criticism. Notably, Broncos great Gorden Tallis didn’t mince words, labeling the move “disrespectful.” Tallis took issue with the club securing veteran halfback Adam Reynolds and several hookers while Cobbo, still young and brimming with potential, has been offered what’s rumored to be a $300,000-a-season deal—reportedly less than half of what he’s currently making.
Tallis’ criticism reflects growing concern among fans and pundits alike. Why would the Broncos risk losing a player once hailed as the “next Greg Inglis”? After all, Cobbo exploded onto the NRL scene with his blistering speed, freakish athleticism, and versatility across the backline. But Lockyer insists that this isn’t a death sentence for Cobbo’s Broncos career—it’s a character test.
“We all know what Selwyn is capable of,” Lockyer said. “But you learn more about yourself in adversity. This is a test for Selwyn. It’s not Madge [head coach Michael Maguire] saying, ‘Your time at the Broncos is over.’ It’s about seeing how he responds.”
According to Lockyer, Cobbo’s long-term success hinges on how he reacts to this challenge. He emphasized that consistency—both in training and in games—is the next frontier for Cobbo’s development. “He’s still learning, still evolving,” Lockyer said. “This period could really benefit his longevity in the game. The best way back is through hard work.”
Reports from inside the club suggest Cobbo has indeed responded with renewed focus and effort at training, though he remains in reserve grade for now. Lockyer’s hope is that Cobbo can use this moment to mature and rise above the challenge, potentially earning back his spot and even surpassing previous form.
The situation has stirred strong memories of Greg Inglis, to whom Cobbo has often been compared. Inglis forged a legendary career at Melbourne, South Sydney, Queensland, and Australia—dominating at centre, fullback, and five-eighth. Lockyer says Cobbo has similar traits but questions whether the youngster is willing to commit to the same rigorous standards that Inglis embraced early in his career.
“Selwyn is like a modern version of GI,” Lockyer said. “But GI came through that Melbourne system—it was all about hard work and professionalism. Selwyn has the raw tools, but it’s now about how badly he wants it.”
If Cobbo can achieve peak fitness and a winning mindset, Lockyer believes he could excel in any backline position—fullback, centre, or wing.
NRL immortal Wally Lewis, another vocal supporter of Cobbo over the years, echoed Lockyer’s admiration for the player’s natural talent. But even Lewis admitted that the recent dip in Cobbo’s performance has been concerning.
“He’s a wonderfully talented player,” Lewis said. “But right now, he’s just not at that elite level we’ve seen before. Something’s off.”
That “something” may have opened the door for a possible exit. Reports surfaced earlier this week that Cobbo has met with the St George Illawarra Dragons—adding further weight to speculation he may be on the move. In a coinciding development, the Dragons are rumored to be preparing to release fullback Tyrell Sloan, possibly creating a vacancy Cobbo could fill.
The swirling speculation only adds to the sense that the Broncos might lose one of their brightest young talents, not because of a lack of ability, but due to contract mismanagement and an ongoing tug-of-war between potential and professionalism.
Meanwhile, the Broncos have been enjoying a solid run on the field, recently beating Cronulla 34-28 and previously dominating the Gold Coast Titans 44-14. With the team continuing to build around experienced heads like Reynolds and a strong forward pack, the pressure is mounting on Cobbo to prove he belongs in their long-term plans.
For now, Lockyer remains hopeful rather than dismissive. “There’s still a lot of belief in what Selwyn can become,” he said. “This isn’t the end—it’s a challenge. We’re watching closely to see how he comes through it.”
With Cobbo’s future hanging in the balance, the next few weeks could be career-defining. Whether he stays loyal to the Broncos or decides to seek a fresh start elsewhere, one thing is clear: how he handles this moment will shape the trajectory of what was once a seemingly limitless career.
The ball, quite literally, is now in Selwyn Cobbo’s court.
