Cobbo has been confirmed to replace Dolphins recruit Herbie Farnworth, with veteran Corey Oates set to retake the flank outside of him.
The 21-year-old quickly established himself as one of the game’s most dangerous flyers, winning four consecutive State of Origin caps before a hip injury forced him to give up his spot to Xavier Coates for games II and III last season.
However, Staggs stated that Cobbo’s ability to create something out of nothing meant that getting him the ball as much as possible was critical, citing his individual chip-and-chase try in the dying minutes of Brisbane’s Round 18 victory over the Dolphins as an example.
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And he said that together with the livewire Cherbourg product, they had the makings of the NRL’s
Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs has warned his NRL rivals that Selwyn Cobbo’s move from the wing will release a new dynamic in Brisbane’s backline.
So much so that the Kangaroos strike weapon expected his partner to put pressure on existing Queensland Maroons Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Valentine Holmes.
Selwyn Cobbo has been tipped to replace Herbie Farnworth in the Broncos’ centres.CREDIT:GETTY
Cobbo will replace Dolphins’ recruit Herbie Farnworth, while veteran Corey Oates aims to recapture the flank outside him.
The 21-year-old was quick to announce himself as one of the game’s most dangerous flyers, earning four straight State of Origin caps before a hip injury cost him his place to Xavier Coates for games II and III last season.
But Staggs said Cobbo’s ability to create something out of nothing meant that getting him the ball as frequently as possible would be crucial – pointing to his individual chip-and-chase try in the dying stages of Brisbane’s Round 18 win over the Dolphins as an example.
He also declared that he and the livewire Cherbourg product had the potential to form the NRL’s most elite centre tandem.
“With Selwyn, I believe he’s one of those players who can be placed wherever and still perform well. He’s been practicing hard out there in the centres, and he’s doing everything we’ve asked of him,” Staggs said.
“He’s still young and has experience playing wing. It won’t just happen because you switched from wing to centre; it’s a different position, and he’s asking questions.
“I think he can do a good job for us there, and hopefully, he can (get) back to Origin in the centres.
“You give him the ball, and he’ll do something, it doesn’t matter what position he is in … you know you get Selwyn the ball and there’s always going to be something that he can make out of nothing.
“Not many people can do what he can do, so if you give Selwyn a bit of space he will take it.”
The sight of Jesse Arthars running at Broncos training on Wednesday has allayed fears of a long-term stint on the sideline for the grand finalist, who sustained a sprained ankle three weeks ago.
“I believe he can do a good job for us there, and hopefully he can return to Origin in the centres.”
“You give him the ball, and he’ll do something, no matter what position he’s in… you know you give Selwyn the ball, and he’ll always come up with something out of thin air.
“Not many people can do what he can do, so if you give Selwyn a bit of space he will take it.”
The sight of Jesse Arthars jogging at Broncos practice on Wednesday has allayed concerns over the grand finalist’s long-term absence after suffering a sprained ankle three weeks ago.
Staggs indicated that Arthars was healing well, but Mariner’s form would make the job a two-way tie.
“He (Mariner) is extremely quick, so if you just give him the ball in space, he’s gone. He’s seized the opportunity that Kevvie (Walters) has provided for him, and he wants that to remain his position,” Staggs stated.
“Jesse is doing well in rehab; he’s cruising, and if he comes back fit and ready, I’m not sure what the team will look like.
“It’s either Jess or Deine, time will tell … who’s going to be next to me.”
Key points from Broncos’ training (January 31)
- Skipper Adam Reynolds took part extensively in the opposed sessions. A little more than a week on from when the halfback sent a shudder through Brisbane’s squad when he went down with an ankle injury, he took part in contact and even iced the intense session with a field goal.
- Veteran winger Corey Oates has held down the left wing spot, having spent several weeks – including Wednesday’s session – manning the flank. He appears locked in for a round one return at this stage.
- Payne Haas has been taking part in the opposed, full-contact sessions. He had previously been training away from the main group after suffering from general hamstring tightness and issues, but the prop looks all set for round one.
- Recruit Jaiyden Hunt limped uncomfortably away from training towards the end of the session, in a worrying sign – particularly given the Broncos’ lack of depth in the backrow following Kurt Capewell’s move to the Warriors.
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