Brisbane Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo is facing a potential long-term spell in reserve grade after being comprehensively outshone by his replacement, Josiah Karapani, in Saturday night’s emphatic 44-14 victory over the Gold Coast Titans.
In a move that initially raised eyebrows, coach Michael Maguire dropped Cobbo from the NRL side, a decision that was swiftly vindicated by Karapani’s breakout performance.
NEXT: Payne Haas Set to Reject Big-Money Offers and Re-Sign with Broncos in Massive Boost for Club
NEXT: Staggs’ Retention Now Crucial: Four Things Learnt in Broncos’ Derby Decisive Triumph
The 23-year-old winger, making only his 12th first-grade appearance, seized the opportunity with a commanding display—scoring two tries, making 15 runs for 176 metres, breaking three tackles and slicing through the line twice.
Karapani’s performance played a central role in Brisbane’s eight-try demolition of their Queensland rivals, as the Broncos bounced back strongly from recent inconsistencies.
Cobbo, who was seen helping the team with warm-up drills at Suncorp Stadium, appeared in good spirits despite the demotion. Maguire clarified the decision was made based on internal performance standards and hinted that Cobbo needs to address specific, undisclosed areas of his game if he wants to return.
“As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we’re pushing standards here,” Maguire said. “Karapani’s got his opportunity and Selly’s got to look at a few things in his game… the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have.”
The timing could not be worse for Cobbo, who is off-contract at the end of 2025 and reportedly has not received a formal extension offer from the Broncos. With Brisbane prioritising the re-signing of centre Kotoni Staggs and the incoming arrival of Grant Anderson from Melbourne in 2026, Cobbo’s spot is under significant threat.
His most likely short-term outcome is a one-year extension while he explores potential future moves to expansion clubs such as Perth or PNG.
Compounding matters, Karapani is not the only winger performing strongly. Gehamat Shibasaki and Jesse Arthars have also proven their value in first grade, leaving Cobbo in a crowded field for limited spots.
NRL fans were quick to voice support for Karapani’s continued inclusion, praising Maguire’s bold selection decision. Social media lit up during and after the game:
“When the media chimed up and slated Madge from dropping Cobbo, you just knew Karapani would salute. He did. Brilliant,” wrote one fan.
“Karapani has got to retain his position after tonight. I like him a lot more than Cobbo on that wing,” posted another.
The fan sentiment was clear—Karapani has earned his place, and Cobbo faces an uphill battle to reclaim his jersey.
Unless injuries or representative call-ups, such as Reece Walsh’s potential Origin selection, create openings, Cobbo may find himself a regular in Queensland Cup for the foreseeable future.
With his NRL future hanging in the balance and competition intensifying, Selwyn Cobbo now faces one of the biggest challenges of his career: proving he still belongs in Brisbane’s top 17.
