3 months ago
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Selwyn Cobbo has launched his Dolphins career ahead of schedule, as the former State of Origin flyer making a surprise preseason appearing this week as he seeks to restore his NRL career.
After 83 games and 49 tries with Brisbane, the 23-year-old dropped in at his new outfit’s session at Bishop Park on Tuesday, mingling with his new teammates ahead of his return to training next week.
At his best, Cobbo is one of the NRL’s most electric figures and boasts six Queensland Maroons caps and a grand final appearance as a Bronco.
Selwyn Cobbo has joined the Dolphins.Credit: Getty Images
But questions have circled his commitment to professional rugby league, having often been given time away for a mental refresh when he called the Broncos’ Red Hill base home.
A hamstring injury suffered last season cost Cobbo his place in the Brisbane side who broke a 19-year premiership drought, recovering in time to mount his selection case but unable to displace Josiah Karapani and Deine Mariner.
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But Dolphins five-eighth Kodi Nikorima was salivating at the thought of what a Cobbo at his best could do for the Redcliffe-based outfit.
Where the Cherbourg product fits into the line-up remains to be seen, however it appears most likely he will start on the wing in place of Jack Bostock – who is recovering from a ruptured ACL suffered in June.
“He’s looking nice and fit. He’s a freak of nature Selwyn, he’s one of those players where you give them the ball, and they can do something from it,” Nikorima said.
“We have Hammer [Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow] and Herbie [Farnworth], then you throw in someone like Selwyn Cobbo, there’s going to be strike all over the park.”
Cobbo will join a group plotting their long-term future, with a host of rising stars tasting NRL training standards for the first time. Among them is teenage sensation Adaquix Luke, the son of former South Sydney and New Zealand hooker Issac Luke.
“He’s an exciting young talent, he’s only 17 or 18, and he actually reminds me a bit of Reece Walsh,” Nikorima said.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but he’s got the goods.”
Nikorima enters his 13th preseason fighting for his future as he comes off contract at the end of 2026.
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The Dolphins are expected to welcome England Test star and former Canberra Raiders halfback George Williams into the fold in 2027.
Star No.7 Isaiya Katoa and Nikorima ignited the game’s most lethal attack in 2025, scoring the most points in the competition (721) despite missing the finals.
Katoa finished top five in the competition for try assists (23), linebreak assists (21), linebreak involvements (24), kick metres (10,493) and line engagements (246).
While Nikorima turns 32 in April, he insisted he still had plenty more to give in the NRL.
“We want to be one of the best halves pairings in the game and that starts here on the training paddock,” Nikorima said.
“I still believe I can go to another level.”
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