State of Origin 2026: Selwyn Cobbo’s remarkable resurgence in Dolphins, Queensland Maroons colours

The smiles of Billy Slater and Cameron Munster spoke volumes.

Slater was evidently delighted as attention turned to Selwyn Cobbo in his post-game press conference after Queensland’s 44-24 trouncing of NSW. Teeming with pride in the bowels of the MCG on Wednesday night, he spoke of the boom youngster “getting what he deserves”.

Advertisement

That is, a hat-trick in a series-levelling Queensland win inside the most grand Australian stadium of all, and the sizzling State of Origin comeback he had made in Sydney a fortnight earlier.

Munster set up Cobbo’s first try with a lobbed kick to the left wing. Post-game, the Maroons captain took in Slater’s sweet words about the loveable lad from Cherbourg and smiled warmly.

Twelve months ago, Cobbo was running around for the Wynnum Manly Seagulls with the No.23 on his back. Late-night gaming, sleep-ins and weight issues had bogged him down, and off to reserve grade he went.

This was a case of a young lad with remarkably rare and raw talent – the kind of talent that had people comparing him to Greg Inglis when he burst onto the NRL scene at 18 – but with a level of professionalism not conducive to sustained success in the top flight.

He lost not only his first-grade spot but his Maroons jersey. Once an Origin bolter at just 19 years of age, in Slater’s first year as Maroons coach, the young enigma was in 2025 thrust into Origin exile. He didn’t play a single game of last year’s series.

The Dolphins took a gamble in June last year, when Cobbo was doing his time in reserve grade. The Broncos′ local rivals treaded carefully, agreeing to sign him on a one-year deal, and on significantly less money than he was on at Red Hill.

There were fears at the time that Cobbo would slip away to Redcliffe and continue to mosey through his career. That the freakish flyer would ultimately prove a first-grade flop. That his career crossroads would lead to a road of no return.

Advertisement

Cue the turnaround. One of the most spectacular rugby league turnarounds in recent memory. A turnaround that began in Dolphins colours and has continued in maroon.

Is he enjoying being away from the glaring spotlight that bears down on the Broncos?

Despite his Broncos exit, Cobbo has credited Michael Maguire’s mentorship for helping save his career. Early last year, the Broncos coach headed out to Cherbourg, a small community a three-hour drive north-west of Brisbane, to bond with Cobbo and get an understanding of the bush town he hails from.

Advertisement

Advertisement

“You get what you deserve in our game, and Selwyn’s getting what he deserves at the moment,” Slater said.

“He’s worked really hard, he’s nice and fit, he’s happy, he’s got a big smile on his face, and he’s in a great space. His football is reflecting that.”

Maroons bench forward Trent Loiero knows what professionalism looks like. He’s cut his teeth under Craig Bellamy at the Storm and is one of Slater’s most honest toilers.

“You can see how he [Cobbo] goes about his business now,” Loiero said in the sheds after Wednesday night’s game.

Advertisement

“I don’t know what he was like a few years ago, but seeing him in camp this year, he’s very professional about how he goes about his stuff, with his prep and training, and at the end of the day it’s been showing in games.

“It’s pretty cool to see how good he’s playing, and him reaping the rewards.”

Queensland outside back Jojo Fifita is only a year younger than Cobbo, but he follows the Dolphins dynamo’s lead.

Advertisement

Advertisement

“He’s definitely someone I look up to, especially when I’m playing wing,” Fifita said post-game.

“So I’ve been taking a lot of tips and advice from him.”

Nine’s Danika Mason spotted Johnathan Thurston, the legendary Queensland playmaker who’s now a Maroons assistant coach, speaking with Cobbo on the field after the full-time siren.

“He was so happy for you,” Mason said.

Advertisement

“What was he saying to you?”

With his infectious smile and soft, humble voice, the kind of personality that’s good for rugby league’s soul, Cobbo let the viewers in.

“Throughout the week he sees me training on my own, doing extras, and it pays off in the game,” Cobbo said.

“It makes him happy to see that I’m working behind the scenes.”

Advertisement

Click here to read article