Brisbane Secures Contracts for Three Key Players: The Spotlight Now Shifts to Selwyn Cobbo and His Future with the Team

On Thursday afternoon, the Brisbane Broncos made significant signing updates, confirming that Adam Reynolds, Kotoni Staggs, and Blake Mozer will continue their association with the club, shedding light on both the immediate and future outlook at Red Hill.

However, this announcement has raised several uncertainties regarding the roster, with Selwyn Cobbo’s status being the most pressing concern.

While the Broncos are undoubtedly facing a salary cap squeeze, the apparent lack of interest in Cobbo seems to play in their favour.

Reports indicate that Cobbo’s current contract at Red Hill amounts to $650,000 per annum.

The 23-year-old has struggled under Michael Maguire this season and is currently showcasing his skills in the Queensland Cup.

This downturn in performance has affected his market value, despite the obvious talent he brings to the field.

Maguire’s remarks following Cobbo’s demotion indicated that the outside back is not meeting the necessary standards.

It is now up to Cobbo to demonstrate that he can be a reliable asset for Maguire.

As his value wanes, the prospect of him fitting into Brisbane’s roster becomes more feasible.

It will be fascinating to observe how the Broncos manage the salaries within their squad, especially with over ten players out of contract by season’s end.

Cobbo is one of the players, but does the club still need him?

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Current State of Brisbane’s Backs

Cobbo can play wing, fullback, and even centre if necessary, though he didn’t find much success there last season.

Brisbane’s contracted backs include Jesse Arthars, Deine Mariner, Staggs, Gehamat Shibasaki, and Reece Walsh beyond this season.

Among the players yet to finalise their contracts is Josiah Karapani, who has stepped into the first team while Cobbo sits out. There’s also emerging talent Israel Leota, while Hayze Perham is on a development deal but is recovering from an ACL injury sustained earlier in the year. Delouise Hoeter hasn’t played since 2023, having missed last year with injury.

This situation suggests that depth may be a concern for the Broncos, as they cannot afford to have a talent like Cobbo underperforming.

But where are Brisbane’s priorities when it comes to their roster?

Hooker and Halves Dilemmas

The Broncos have found themselves with a recruitment conundrum in these positions.

Currently, they have five viable hookers: Ben Hunt, Billy Walters, Cory Paix, Blake Mozer, and Tyson Smoothy.

Walters and Hunt hold valuable positional flexibility, presenting a dilemma with two potential utility players.

Next season, Smoothy will depart for the Super League, placing attention on potential signings for his vacant spot.

As for the halves, Reynolds and Mam are the obvious starters, with Josh Rogers and Jock Madden providing depth.

Rogers and Madden are both locked in until the end of 2026. Although the club attempted to move Madden to create balance, those efforts have been largely unsuccessful.

Then there’s Coby Black, who represents the future of the club. With Reynolds’ contract extension, Black could spend another year in the Queensland Cup.

Alternatively, the Broncos might choose to gradually integrate him into the squad next season by placing him on the bench.

However, when considering the presence of Walters and Hunt, that pathway seems less probable. Additionally, Mozer will also be prepared to step up from the bench next season. Paix is out of contract but has arguably earned a new deal thanks to his solid performances this year.

Brisbane’s fixation with utility players, hookers, and halves could be hindering their performance in other positions, leading to the next point: the forwards.

The Next Man Up in the Forwards

Brisbane had high hopes that Brendan Piakura would emerge as an 80-minute second-rower by now.

Known for his impressive skill set, he was even part of the Queensland squad last year.

Despite debuting in 2021, Piakura has yet to consistently hit his stride. However, his recent performance against the Titans showed signs of promise.

In terms of the starting forward pack, the Broncos boast stars like Corey Jensen, Payne Haas, Piakura, Jordan Riki, and Patrick Carrigan.

Kobe Hetherington, who was expected to challenge Carrigan for the prop position, has found himself back on the bench after it didn’t pan out for him this season.

Xavier Willison is starting to make his mark, while Jack Gosiewski and Jaiyden Hunt add depth.

However, it’s evident that Brisbane’s reluctance to utilise their depth options during the State of Origin period, particularly to rest players like Haas and Carrigan, could be problematic.

Ben Talty has recently joined from the NSW Cup, with Ben Te Kura being viewed as a future prospect but yet to secure a consistent spot. Fletcher Baker, who showed promise with the Roosters, hasn’t quite replicated that form since joining Brisbane.

With Jensen and Baker both out of contract, it’s unlikely Baker will receive a renewal.

Jensen provides a perfect balance alongside Haas, making it hard to believe he won’t be offered an extension.

Hetherington, Gosiewski, and Hunt also find themselves out of contract. Are we looking at a potential squad overhaul?

The Recruitment Guru Brisbane Should Have Retained

Ben Ikin’s transition from the NRL 360 desk to the football and performance role at the Broncos in June 2021 sparked optimistic expectations.

Brisbane’s performance improved from 14th to 9th in 2022 under his guidance.

Just when it seemed that his efforts were yielding results, Ikin departed mid-2023 after a conflict with coach Kevin Walters.

That same year, Brisbane reached the grand final but were unsuccessful.

During Ikin’s tenure, his most impressive acquisitions included understated talents such as Zac Hosking, Corey Jensen, and Te Maire Martin.

Since his exit, results have faltered, alongside some unexpected recruitment decisions.

Speaking on Kenty Blitz a month ago, Ikin detailed his recruitment philosophy.

“Traditionally, when building a roster, you’d typically focus on two main factors: the players’ capability, meaning can they play, and their character, are they a good person?” he shared.

“However, I discovered that the most crucial aspect is compatibility. Do they fit? And do they harmonise with your head coach? It’s the multiplier effect that fosters great teams.”

“In the end, it creates alignment, bringing together a coach who has a clear vision for how they want the game to unfold, the standards they expect, and the resolve to demonstrate those expectations. Over time, it shapes the values and goals of your team, leading to a group united in pursuit of the same objectives.”

That’s the challenge now facing Maguire.

Is this current group aligned with his vision? It’s clear that Reynolds, Mozer, and Staggs certainly must be.

As for Cobbo? Just a few moments ago, he seemed on the brink of being a million-dollar talent. Now it’s more a matter of whether he fits into the plans at all.