On Thursday, the Brisbane Broncos announced that Adam Reynolds, Kotoni Staggs, and Blake Mozer would continue their tenure at the club, clarifying their short- and long-term plans at Red Hill. Yet, the future of Selwyn Cobbo remains uncertain amidst a looming salary cap challenge, especially given the apparent lack of interest in him from other clubs.
Cobbo, currently earning $650,000 annually, has struggled this season under coach Michael Maguire, even finding himself in the Queensland Cup. His decreased value might make him a viable option for Brisbane’s roster, especially as they navigate the contracts of over ten players expiring soon. Cobbo’s versatility to play on the wing, at fullback, and in the centre adds value, but with other options like Jesse Arthars and Gehamat Shibasaki available, his role appears to be at risk.
In the hooker and halves department, the Broncos have created complications with five potential hookers vying for positions. Reynolds and Ezra Mam are likely starting halves, with Josh Rogers and Jock Madden providing depth, though Madden’s future appears uncertain after unsuccessful trade attempts.
The forwards present another layer of complexity. The club likely hoped Brendan Piakura would solidify his place as a regular, but while he showed promise recently, depth remains a concern as players like Corey Jensen and Payton Haas lead the pack. Recent signings like Ben Talty and the hopes for young talent like Ben Te Kura indicate Brisbane is attempting to bolster their squad, while a possible roster overhaul may loom.
Ben Ikin’s departure from Brisbane’s recruitment role marked a significant change, as he played a vital part in the team’s gradual improvement, evidenced by last year’s grand final appearance. His success stemmed from a keen eye for compatible players, a method that Maguire must now adopt for a cohesive team.
Ultimately, the question surrounding Cobbo’s future encapsulates a broader concern: is this squad aligned with Maguire’s vision? With key extensions confirmed, the Broncos now face a crucial juncture in determining how best to optimise their roster moving forward.