It isn’t just the halves.
Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has yet another selection dilemma to ponder ahead of next weekend’s home preliminary final against Penrith, with an injured Origin star making a successful return to the playing field.
Selwyn Cobbo started in the centres for Wynnum Manly in Sunday’s Q Cup preliminary final against the Norths Devils, marking his first game time since suffering a serious hamstring injury against the Melbourne Storm in early August that was feared may have ended his season—and Broncos career.
Playing alongside fellow Broncos squad members Jock Madden and Delouise Hoeter, Cobbo moved freely throughout the match (which the Seagulls lost 18-16) and noticeably had no strapping on his troublesome hamstring.
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While the 23-year-old saw limited opportunities in attack on the left edge, he was consistently excellent in defence—something that would not have gone unnoticed by the small army of Broncos officials in the crowd including club CEO Dave Donaghy.
Cobbo’s return to fitness comes at the Broncos prepare to face the greatest challenge in the NRL, namely a resurgent Penrith Panthers in September.
Should he indeed come back into the Brisbane starting side for next Sunday’s preliminary final, fellow 23-year-old Josiah Karapani could be the unlucky man to make way.
Win or lose, Sunday would be Cobbo’s last game for the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium as he links with the Dolphins in 2026.