Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire has decided to end Selwyn Cobbo’s stint in the Queensland Cup, recalling the outside back ahead of an upcoming match. Cobbo was previously sidelined following the Broncos’ round 13 defeat to Manly, where he played as a centre and wing for Wynnum Manly Seagulls, but was withdrawn from the round 15 game due to Reece Walsh being selected as the Maroons’ 18th man.
Deine Mariner, who was also dropped after the round 13 match, has received selection for the team. Meanwhile, Brandon Smith is set to make his debut for the South Sydney Rabbitohs after transferring from the Roosters mid-season and is currently named in the reserves as he recovers from an ACL injury.
This week’s fixtures include the clash between the Canterbury Bulldogs and Brisbane Broncos at Accor Stadium on Friday night. The Bulldogs have revealed their line-up, making several changes due to Origin call-ups and injuries, with new inclusions such as Harry Hayes, Sam Hughes, and Blake Wilson. For the Broncos, Cobbo returns at fullback in place of Walsh, with Mariner taking over from Gehamat Shibasaki, and other adjustments made to the starting side due to the absence of key players like Payne Haas and Patrick Carrigan.
Saturday’s matches feature the Canberra Raiders hosting the St George Illawarra Dragons. The Raiders have made strategic changes to their lineup, rotating in players after some were called up for Origin duty. Similarly, the Dragons face significant alterations, including injury-related changes.
The North Queensland Cowboys will also compete against the Melbourne Storm, with both teams adjusting their rosters because of players involved in Origin.
On Sunday, the Sydney Roosters will take on the Wests Tigers, with the Roosters implementing multiple changes due to Origin commitments, including introducing Tom Rodwell for his NRL debut. The Tigers will see Sunia Turuva moving to fullback following a suspension affecting another player.
The matchups are highly anticipated given the strategic reshuffling of the teams due to player availability, and this weekend promises to deliver exciting rugby league action with all teams vying for crucial points as the competition heats up.
In NRLW action, round one kicks off with the Cronulla Sharks hosting the Parramatta Eels, followed by a match between the Bulldogs and Newcastle Knights. Both teams are bolstered by competitive selections aimed at making strong starts to the season.