With Broncos legend Steve Renouf and powerhouse centre partner Kotoni Staggs guiding him, Selwyn Cobbo is taking giant strides on the path to becoming a topline NRL centre.
Cobbo produced his most complete performance in his new role as the Broncos downed the Dolphins 28-14 in Friday night's battle of Brisbane, bagging two tries and running for 200 metres.
Moved closer to the action in 2024 following Herbie Farnworth's departure to the Dolphins, the 21-year-old is vindicating coach Kevin Walters' faith in him to master a new position.
“Plenty to like about Selwyn tonight, he’s just a big body and he can run, he can tackle, he’s strong," Walters said post-match.
"It's pretty exciting where Selwyn can get to as the year develops as a centre for sure."
Cobbo admits the move has been ‘challenging’, having played just a handful of games in the centres during the past three seasons, but he is feeling more comfortable by the week.
“It's been pretty challenging over a couple of weeks, but having fun there as well, working outside of Ezra [Mam] and working inside whomever is on my wing as well," Cobbo said.
Cobbo grabs a quick double
“(The toughest part of the change so far has been) defensive-wise, just working with Ezra, getting up with him, staying square and making my tackles once the ball goes past me.
“I'm pretty grateful whether I play fullback, centre or wing. I'll do my job for the for the team and I'll play anywhere, wherever Kev wants me.
“It was pretty tough at the start trying to handle what it is like being an NRL player but I am pretty used to it now.
“I know the expectation that comes with it and have confidence in what I do now.”
His move has been helped by learning from his mentor Renouf, the Broncos' greatest ever tryscorer, who also comes from the Cherbourg / Murgon area, as well as fellow centre Staggs.
“Kotoni is one of the best centres in the game, I have played outside of him (on the wing) and learnt a lot off him… going into the centres now,” Cobbo said.
“He has been really helpful for me at training talking to me about the stuff I need to improve.”
Not only did Cobbo cross for his first four-pointers of the season, the double also took his tally in three derbies against the Dolphins to six tries.
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“Every team has a rivalry, and the Redcliffe Dolphins are one for us,” Cobbo said after the game which saw 46,224 people attend Suncorp Stadium.
“It’s a special night playing against them, there’s a lot of enjoyment and it’s a competitive game.
“It's been pretty fun, playing against the Dolphins. I love the rivalry and atmosphere, it's good."
