EXCLUSIVE: Darren Lockyer reveals key Selwyn Cobbo moment following surprise Broncos axing and lowball contract offer

Broncos director Darren Lockyer has stated that the club aims to “test” Selwyn Cobbo’s response after being dropped from the NRL squad and presented with a modest contract offer to remain at Red Hill.

The future of the six-game State of Origin sensation is under intense scrutiny following Brisbane’s announcement of three significant re-signings last week, during which Cobbo’s name was notably absent.

The club faced criticism from Broncos legend Gorden Tallis, who questioned the rationale behind re-signing veteran halfback Adam Reynolds and multiple hookers, while allowing Cobbo to consider offers from rival teams.

Tallis deemed the treatment of the 23-year-old Cobbo as “disrespectful,” especially after reports suggested he was offered $300,000 per season, significantly less than his current earnings. Recently, he has also been relegated to reserve grade by coach Michael Maguire.

Observers have been left bemused by the club’s decision; however, Lockyer provided some insight during his appearance on Wide World of Sports’ QLDER.

“It’s a mix of several factors,” Lockyer commented.

“We all acknowledge Selwyn’s potential. Adversity often reveals a great deal about one’s character, and this situation serves as a test for him,” Lockyer remarked.

“This isn’t Madge (Maguire) suggesting that Selwyn’s time at the Broncos is over; rather, it’s about providing him with a challenge to see how he responds.

“For Selwyn, how he navigates this phase and what he learns from it will significantly impact not just his current situation but his future as well.

“His talent is undeniable, and he’s still in the process of maturing, figuring out how to achieve a consistent level of performance week in and week out.

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“Consistency stems from training habits. If he maintains consistency there, he should see a parallel consistency in his performance. I believe this juncture in his career could prove beneficial for his longevity.

“The key to overcoming this challenge is through diligent effort.

“There are reports indicating he is dedicated to that, so let’s hope that he and the Broncos can find a way for him to return to the field and perform to his capabilities.”

Since his debut as a teenager, Cobbo has been compared to league icon Greg Inglis.

Inglis was a luminary for Melbourne, South Sydney, Queensland, and Australia throughout his illustrious career where he excelled in the centre, fullback, and even five-eighth positions.

Lockyer believes Cobbo has the potential to reach similar heights, albeit questioning whether he is prepared to put in the same level of effort that Inglis was known for.

“He’s a tremendous similarity to GI,” Lockyer noted.

“GI was embedded in the Melbourne system and thus was immersed in a hard-working environment from the outset. In his early days, he could flourish in any position.

“I think Selwyn is a different iteration of GI; it ultimately depends on how committed he is to getting fit, strong, and realising his potential.”

“If he achieves that, he can excel at fullback, centre, or wing, and be a significant asset for any team.”

Fellow Queensland legend Wally Lewis, a long-time admirer of Cobbo, expressed his confusion over the player’s recent decline in form.

“He is immensely talented, yet he seems to have lost his spark lately,” Lewis commented.

“Unfortunately, he isn’t reaching that standard at present.”

According to reports, Cobbo recently held discussions with the Dragons, while there are emerging speculations that St George Illawarra is considering allowing Tyrell Sloan to depart.