In a move that could reshape the NRL landscape, the St. George Illawarra Dragons are reportedly gearing up to swoop in and snatch Queensland Origin star Selwyn Cobbo from the Brisbane Broncos in a sensational transfer coup.
The Broncos, facing a salary cap crisis with a roster full of high-priced talent, may be forced to let go of the brilliant outside back as early as 2026, much to the Dragons’ delight.
Brisbane boasts one of the most talent-stacked rosters in the NRL, a fact that is quickly becoming a double-edged sword. With multiple players eyeing salary upgrades and the club juggling massive contracts, the Broncos’ salary cap is teetering on the brink of breaking. The Broncos have committed to keeping superstar fullback Reece Walsh, who commands a massive portion of their cap, and are keen to extend the contract of powerhouse centre Kotoni Staggs, leaving little room for other stars seeking higher pay.
For Selwyn Cobbo, this financial balancing act may cost him a future at the Broncos. Despite his incredible potential, the young winger had a lacklustre season in 2024 by his high standards, and his form dip could push him out of the club’s long-term plans.
Cobbo, who had been on a contract worth around $625,000 for the 2024 season, is set to see his salary rise to nearly $700,000 in 2025. While his management will likely push for a further increase in his next contract, it’s uncertain whether the Broncos can accommodate that demand under the tight salary cap restrictions.
The Dragons, meanwhile, find themselves in a much better financial position, making them one of the front-runners to secure Cobbo’s services for 2026. With fewer salary cap pressures, they can offer Cobbo the contract upgrade he and his management are seeking. Additionally, Cobbo’s versatility – being able to play as a centre, winger, or fullback – would make him a valuable asset for the Dragons, who are looking to rebuild and strengthen their squad.
Cobbo’s contract with the Broncos locks him in for the 2025 season, but after November 1st, rival clubs are free to approach him with offers for 2026 and beyond. The Dragons are expected to make a serious push for the 22-year-old Origin star, especially given his potential and track record in the early stages of his career.
However, it hasn’t been all smooth sailing for Cobbo in 2024. The electrifying back struggled to replicate the form that saw him burst onto the NRL scene in previous years. In 19 games this season, he scored just six tries, a steep decline compared to his stellar performances in 2023 and 2022, where he bagged 20 and 15 tries, respectively.
Some in the Broncos camp reportedly feel that Cobbo appeared distracted this year, which could be a concern for any club vying for his signature. The Broncos’ disappointing exit from the 2024 finals has only heightened scrutiny around Cobbo’s performances, and the pressure will be on him to regain the form that made him one of the league’s most exciting young talents.
That said, the Dragons, and other interested clubs, will still see Cobbo as a valuable acquisition. His natural athleticism, height, and ability to break through defenses make him a dangerous attacking option, and with the right coaching and environment, he could easily rediscover his best form.
As the November 1st deadline approaches, the clock is ticking for the Broncos to sort out their salary cap issues and retain one of their brightest young stars. For Cobbo, the allure of a fresh start with the Dragons or another club might be just the challenge he needs to reignite his career and regain his confidence on the field.
Should the Dragons succeed in pulling off the transfer, it would not only be a major coup for the club but a serious blow to the Broncos, who are already feeling the strain of managing such a talented but costly roster. The Dragons will be hoping that a change of scenery could help Cobbo return to his devastating best, allowing them to add a versatile weapon to their attacking arsenal.
For now, the NRL world watches with bated breath to see where Selwyn Cobbo’s future lies. The Dragons are in prime position to pounce, but the Broncos will surely fight hard to keep one of their homegrown stars in the maroon and gold.
With salary cap constraints tightening around the Broncos, Selwyn Cobbo’s future at the club appears uncertain. As the Dragons emerge as serious contenders to lure the talented backline player to their ranks, the NRL could see one of the most high-profile transfers in recent memory. Whether Cobbo stays in Brisbane or finds a new home in St. George Illawarra, one thing is clear: the battle for his signature will be a story to watch as the 2026 season approaches.
