Broncos coach Michael Maguire faces a major selection dilemma once his star fullback returns from injury. Former NRL premiership winner Matty Johns has heaped praise on Selwyn Cobbo, likening him to rugby league icon Greg Inglis and stating that his move to fullback in place of Reece Walsh has added a unique edge to Brisbane’s game. Cobbo shone in the No.1 role during last week’s dominant 42-18 win over the previously undefeated Bulldogs, notching a try assist, four tackle busts, and 151 run metres from 18 carries.
Broncos legend Justin Hodges highlighted Cobbo’s strong presence and calmness under pressure, noting it brought stability that Walsh’s more unpredictable style sometimes lacks. With Walsh sidelined for at least another month due to a knee injury, Cobbo will continue to stake his claim for the position, beginning with this weekend’s Magic Round clash against the Panthers at Suncorp Stadium.
If Cobbo maintains his current form, Maguire will face a tough call once Walsh is fit again. While it’s unlikely that Walsh—Queensland’s first-choice fullback and a $5 million asset—would be shifted from the role, many observers, including Hodges, believe Cobbo’s simpler approach has helped streamline Brisbane’s attacking play and allowed others to excel.
Johns, speaking on SEN radio, praised Cobbo’s transition to fullback, pointing out that his size and powerful running game are reminiscent of Greg Inglis at his best. He noted that the modern game generally favors smaller, faster fullbacks like Walsh, Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jye Gray, and Sua Fa’alogo, due to the pace and demands of defending through the middle. However, Cobbo’s performance against Canterbury demonstrated that a bigger, more physical fullback can still thrive in today’s game.
“I liked what I saw—it’s been a real point of difference,” Johns said. “We’ve seen a shift toward smaller, speedier fullbacks, but Cobbo brought back that GI-style fullback—big, powerful, and dynamic. He was excellent the other night—his movement, his ball-carrying, his strength—it was very reminiscent of Inglis. It gives the Broncos plenty to think about.”
Cobbo’s calm yet explosive showing drew widespread acclaim, particularly in comparison to Walsh, who has often been criticised for overplaying his hand and making costly errors. In contrast, Cobbo’s measured style was equally effective and disrupted the Bulldogs’ defence.
Queensland coach Billy Slater also believes fullback might be Cobbo’s best long-term position. Speaking on Channel Nine’s Sunday Footy Show, Slater said: “He’s a different kind of player to Reece. They scored 50 points without arguably their most dangerous attacking player. Cobbo’s more powerful, plays a different game—and I thought he was outstanding. He’s always involved, even though he’s a quiet character.”
With Cobbo off-contract at season’s end, his performances at fullback could attract massive offers from rival clubs, particularly if he continues to deliver at a high level. The Broncos, already battling salary cap pressure, may struggle to keep the 22-year-old if other clubs offer deals in the range of $1 million per year for a starting fullback.
Walsh’s situation complicates things further, having recently inked a four-year deal worth $5 million. That kind of investment makes it hard for Maguire to consider moving him out of the No.1 jersey.
