2 months ago
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On face value, and according to a new teammate, Selwyn Cobbo’s Dolphins tenure will at last awaken one of the NRL’s most polarising yet talented prospects.
The former Broncos star has returned from his new club’s fitness break in formidable shape, cutting a trim and lean figure on the back fields of Kayo Stadium as he lined up alongside Herbie Farnworth.
Not since Brisbane’s 2023 grand final defeat have the pair featured in the same team, and on that occasion on opposite sides of the field – Farnworth at left centre and Cobbo on the right wing.
Selwyn Cobbo is cutting a leaner figure in the Dolphins’ preseason.Credit: Dolphins NRL
“Maybe had a couple of little conversations about it,” Farnworth said, when asked if the pair had discussed that devastating night, “but we’ve got to get through this training period – we can’t be looking too far ahead.”
While Farnworth hinted he was unsure where the six-time Queensland Maroons flyer would settle in the side – Cobbo trained in the Englishman’s place before Christmas – the sight of the duo linking up together on Tuesday painted on portentous picture of what could come in 2026.
Cobbo looms as a straight swap for injured winger Jack Bostock, who is not expected to make his comeback from a ruptured ACL until mid-year. Farnworth’s offloading prowess – finishing fifth in the competition (50), while playing only 19 games before a hamstring injury ended his season – poses a threat on second-phase play few wing pairings could match.
Cobbo has long divided fans and pundits: clearly blessed with match-winning ability, but often having his dedication to full-time professional rugby league in question.
Throughout his Broncos days, he was given time away from Red Hill to refresh during the season, but he now appears destined to add “that physical punch” to the Dolphins’ back five, according to Farnworth.
In a 2025 campaign described as inconsistent, limited to 15 games through form and a hamstring injury, the 23-year-old still averaged a career-best 154 running metres an outing. Even in the period between his arrival at Redcliffe and Tuesday, Cobbo appeared leaner.
When asked if he had seen Cobbo as fit and strong as now throughout their time together, Farnworth concurred: “No, I haven’t, never.
“He’s a great athlete, he’s come in really good shape, and he looks like he’s grown again in the off season. He’s going to add that physical punch that we need in the back five.
“I’m not too sure if he’s going to play wing or centre, but I would love to have him on my wing.”
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Cobbo will essentially be playing for his future from the opening whistle given his contract ends at the end of this year, with the incoming Perth Bears a potential threat of a poaching raid.
That will not be the case for Farnworth, who despite links to the venture secured a one-year extension through to the end of 2027.
While that still opens the door for the Papua New Guinea franchise to tempt him away from Redcliffe in 2028, the England Test sensation shut down such suggestions.
“I’ll put the rumours to bed, I’m happy here at the club,” Farnworth said.
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