Brisbane Broncos legend and club director Darren Lockyer has outlined the assets Selwyn Cobbo will bring to the side in his new role at centre, describing him as “very similar” to Greg Inglis.
Cobbo has been a regular on the wing for the Broncos since he burst on to the scene in 2021 but will move closer to the middle after Herbie Farnworth’s move to the Dolphins.
The 21-year-old has shuffled between fullback, wing and centre throughout his career, having represented Queensland and the Kangaroos in a short, highlight-filled career.
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While Farnworth will be a big loss for the Broncos, Lockyer believes Cobbo will provide attributes on the edge that are beneficial, despite his difference in style for Farnworth.
“I see Selwyn as very similar to GI (Inglis) where he can play fullback, he’s played a lot of football at fullback and centre but he’s started his career on the wing and as he gets more experienced and more mature he’ll work his way closer to the footy,” he told Wide World of Sports.
“Herbie had a lot of footwork, really sharp on his feet but Selwyn probably more uses his size and his strength and that palm to his advantage.”
Cobbo’s move isn’t the only shake-up to the Broncos grand final side, with Tom Flegler also making a move to the Dolphins.
Speedster Deine Mariner has moved into the starting side on the wing for the Broncos opening round match against the Roosters at Las Vegas.
Brendan Piakura also replaces Warriors recruit Kurt Capewell on the edge. Corey Jensen also didn’t feature in the grand final but starts at prop while Fletcher Baker is a new face on the bench along with boom youngster Xavier Willison.
Lockyer believes the most important aspect of the Broncos side is their fullback, five-eighth, halfback and hooker positions have all stayed the same.
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“It’s still a pretty stable side. I think whenever you keep your spine in tact and you build your team around them (not much changes),” he said.
“I don’t think it changes the way they play, the systems will be the same. I think Selwyn going to the centres is exciting. The player that I think is a big loss is probably … (Kurt) Capewell, it’s been underestimated how good he was for us in terms of experience but look I think there’s optimism there.
“It was a great season for them and the team’s pretty much in tact.”
The Broncos will get their season underway on Sunday against the Roosters in the second of the Las Vegas double-headers.