Roosters Sign Junior Tupou as Dolphins Clear Path for Possible Early Arrival of Selwyn Cobbo
In a move that could significantly reshape rosters ahead of the NRL’s mid-season transfer deadline, Junior Tupou has made a sudden switch from the Dolphins to the Sydney Roosters, effective immediately. The transaction comes amid growing speculation that the Dolphins are preparing to make a late bid for Brisbane Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo, potentially bringing him into their system before the June 30 cut-off.
Tupou, who was initially named to start on the wing for the Dolphins in their Round 17 clash against South Sydney, was unexpectedly withdrawn from the team just 24 hours before kickoff. Max Feagai took his place, and the reason for Tupou’s omission has now become clear—he is headed to Bondi to link up with Trent Robinson’s Roosters.
The Dolphins’ willingness to let Tupou go is being viewed as a strategic salary cap maneuver. With Selwyn Cobbo already signed by the Dolphins for the 2026 season, the club is eager to bring the Origin-calibre star into their system as soon as possible. However, under current NRL rules, the only window for mid-season player transfers closes on June 30, leaving the Dolphins just days to finalise any early release from the Broncos.
Broncos Playing Hardball Over Cobbo’s Future
Despite the Dolphins’ hopes, the Broncos have shown no interest in granting Cobbo an early release. Coach Michael Maguire has made it clear that Cobbo still factors into Brisbane’s plans for the remainder of 2025, even though he was recently dropped to reserve grade. Maguire’s stance reflects the club’s need to maintain squad depth, particularly with key fullback Reece Walsh carrying a lingering injury.
Adding to the tension is the well-established rivalry between the Broncos and Dolphins. Both clubs are based in Brisbane and share a fierce competitive edge, which appears to be influencing the Broncos’ unwillingness to cooperate. On SEN radio, former Broncos winger Denan Kemp said he had been informed by a reliable source that Brisbane made it known there was just one destination Cobbo would not be allowed to join in 2025—the Dolphins.
“I got it on good authority that there was only one club the Broncos said, ‘you’re not allowed to go to early,’” Kemp revealed. “And it was the Dolphins. They literally said there was only one club.”
This sentiment has been echoed by NRL pundits such as Matty Johns, who agreed that it would make little sense for Brisbane to let a player of Cobbo’s calibre walk mid-season—particularly to a direct rival. “If I’m Madge [Michael Maguire], I wouldn’t let Selwyn go early either,” Johns said. “You’ve got Reece [Walsh] on one leg. You need to have depth in your squad. You can’t just let quality players walk out the door.”
Tupou Lands at Roosters—But Playing Time Not Guaranteed
Meanwhile, Junior Tupou’s move to the Roosters is noteworthy not just for its timing, but also for the surprising circumstances surrounding his destination. The Dolphins, who just lost Jack Bostock to a season-ending ACL injury, suddenly have a vacant wing position. However, they still agreed to part ways with Tupou, which further strengthens the belief that the club is maneuvering aggressively to make room for Cobbo’s early arrival.
Tupou has appeared in 37 NRL games across stints with the Wests Tigers and the Dolphins. His immediate transfer to the Roosters appears to be a response to Dom Young’s departure to Newcastle, which opened up a roster spot on Sydney’s wing depth chart. However, even with Young’s exit, Tupou may find it challenging to break into the Roosters’ top 17.
The Roosters currently boast an experienced and settled backline. Mark Nawaqanitawase and veteran Daniel Tupou are firmly entrenched on the wings, with Billy Smith and rising talent Robert Toia in the centres. Toia is expected to be away in State of Origin camp for Queensland, which could open the door for Junior Tupou to feature in Round 18 when the Roosters face his former club, the Wests Tigers.
Still, it remains to be seen whether Tupou’s move will pay off in terms of consistent first-grade minutes. What is clear, however, is that the Roosters see value in adding depth, particularly with the long NRL season and Origin disruptions always posing challenges to squad rotations.
Dolphins’ Endgame: Cobbo in 2025 or Sooner?
The Dolphins’ future vision appears laser-focused on Selwyn Cobbo. Wayne Bennett and his staff view the 22-year-old as a long-term star, and his early arrival could significantly bolster the club’s backline as they eye a finals push in just their second year in the competition.
Cobbo’s potential move would also be symbolic—a marquee signing from the Dolphins’ biggest rival and a statement of intent about their ambitions. But unless the Broncos blink before June 30, the Dolphins may have to wait until 2026 to officially integrate him into their squad.
The immediate exit of Junior Tupou serves as both a calculated risk and a financial reshuffle. The Dolphins have shown they’re willing to make bold moves, even if it means short-term uncertainty, all in the hope that Cobbo becomes available sooner rather than later.
As the NRL’s mid-season signing window nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on whether the Broncos soften their stance or hold firm—keeping Cobbo in their squad despite his relegation to reserve grade. Either way, the next few days could define both clubs’ trajectory for the rest of the 2025 season and beyond.
