Broncos star axed as Walsh gives Maguire new hope
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team.
The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances.
Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025.
The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing.
Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly.
"As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said.
"(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job."
Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side.
Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year.
"I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to fix.Winger Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position.
The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return.
"It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said.
"We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage.
"It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome.
"Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team."
Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans.
He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney.
"To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said.
"For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments.
"Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates."
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team.
The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances.
Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025.
The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing.
Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly.
"As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said.
"(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job."
Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side.
Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year.
"I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to fix.Winger Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position.
The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return.
"It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said.
"We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage.
"It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome.
"Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team."
Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans.
He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney.
"To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said.
"For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments.
"Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates."
Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has swung the axe with representative outside back Selwyn Cobbo dropped from the team.
The decision, after the Broncos lost six of seven matches, shows Maguire is prepared to be make big calls for poor performances.
Josiah Karapani, 23, will come into the side on the wing for his first NRL match of the season against Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
Star fullback Reece Walsh returns to No.1 after missing six weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will partner halves Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds for the first time as a combination in 2025.
The Broncos have not been happy with 23-year-old Cobbo's recent performances at fullback and wing.
Maguire explained his decision, with Cobbo expected to play Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly.
"As a group, and as a leadership group and as a coach, we're pushing standards here and expectations in how we're doing things, and Karapani's got his opportunity and Selly's got to look at a few things in his game," Maguire said.
"(Karapani) has been really consistent in the way he's been playing through the pre -season ... and he's obviously experienced first grade. When he has played, he's played really well. I know he'll do a good job."
Maguire said Cobbo "definitely" could force his way back into the side.
Cobbo is off-contract but Maguire said he did not look at his axing as having an impact on whether he would still be at the Broncos next year.
"I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and ... the more you meet those, the more opportunities you have," Maguire said, while confirming he would keep private the intricate detail of the areas Cobbo needed to fix.Winger Deine Mariner was also dropped while prop Pat Carrigan moves to his favoured lock position.
The Broncos have lacked competitive tension in recent weeks for spots with Walsh and half/hooker Ben Hunt (hamstring) unavailable. That has now changed with Hunt not far away from a return.
"It's (about) having the players available too," Maguire said.
"We're starting to get the spine everyone gets excited about with Reyno and Ez and Reece ...and we'll get Hunty back in there at some stage.
"It just tinkers with how you're playing and with those boys in there ... you're looking at a different outcome.
"Reece is ready to go so we are looking forward to bringing his energy back in, but also to his experience and just who he is. He's a good player. I love coaching him. He'll do his job for the team."
Maguire wore an "Adam Reynolds 300" shirt in tribute to the Brisbane captain who will reach the milestone against the Titans.
He said it was "an honour" to mentor the 34-year-old, whom he gave an NRL debut to in 2012 at South Sydney.
"To think further down the track, we're playing 300 it's an incredible achievement really," Maguire said.
"For a little fella like him, he's had every big man running at him, makes plenty of tackles, pushes the team around the park and he's had some massive moments.
"Grand final winner (in 2014), been in a few more grand finals and helped a lot of players. One thing that stands out for me is how Reyno influenced his teammates."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Queensland Derby delay to benefit Statuario but not so much Femminile
A week can be a long time in horse racing – just ask Femminile 's trainer Phillip Stokes. He wanted his talented filly to run on a heavy track in the Group 1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm last weekend but unfortunately for him, persistent rain and poor visibility for jockeys meant the feature race was rescheduled to this Saturday. In stark contrast, fellow Pakenham trainers Emma-Lee and David Browne are delighted that Derby favourite Statuario will race on a good surface on Saturday in the $1m contest. And the husband-and-wife team has another ace up its sleeve in 'Derby King' John Allen, who is again booked to ride the grey gelding at Eagle Farm. The Irish jockey flew to Brisbane for just the one ride in the Derby last week but he didn't even get to jump on Statuario as the rain kept falling and the jockeys voted to call it a day after five races. He will be back in the River City on Saturday, hoping that his grey wizard can turn the tables on Femminile, who narrowly beat a late-charging Statuario in last month's South Australian Derby (2500m). Allen has won 20 Group 1s in Australia and, remarkably, nine of those have been in Derbies, including the 2019 Queensland edition for the Stokes-trained Mr Quickie. 'Yes, that definitely gives me a lot more confidence,' Emma-Lee Browne said of Allen's superb record in Derbies. 'He's a very patient rider and that comes from having a background as a jumps jockey with experience over the further distances. 'But the horses seem to settle really well for him which I think is crucial in these kind of races.' • It's in the blood: Front Page up for the fight in Moreton Cup Stokes, who organised the travel to the Gold Coast for both Statuario and rival Femminile, said the rescheduling of the Derby was 'not ideal'. 'We went up there hoping for a wet track but the races were called off,' he said. 'We would've loved to have run on a Heavy 10 because I know she likes it. 'Look, I still think she can run well (on Saturday) but is she on the up? No. 'Hopefully she can dig deep and pull one more out.' Statuario is the $6 favourite for the Queensland Derby ahead of three others in single-figures in the market – Belle Detelle ($7), King Of Thunder ($8) and Femminile ($9.50). Allen said it was 'frustrating' not getting to ride last Saturday but 'not too disappointing' given that Statuario had a far superior record (8: 3-2-0) on dry tracks. 'It's a very even race with no real standout,' Allen said of the Queensland Derby. 'I'm fairly confident Statuario is in as good form as anything in the race and he's trending the right way. 'I feel like he's the horse with the most upside at this stage.' Allen will be hoping to recapture his 2019 form in Queensland when he won Group 2 races The Roses (Etana) and The Q22 (Kenedna), which were the cherries on top of Group 1 victories in the Derby (Mr Quickie) and Doomben Cup (Kenedna). As for the nickname 'Derby King', Allen would love to win on Saturday to cement that reputation as the middle-distance magician. 'I haven't won a Derby in three years (2022 Australian Derby on Hitotsu) so it'll be good to top up the tally on Saturday,' he said.
ABC News
3 hours ago
- ABC News
Cronulla Sharks to debut historic Pasifika jersey in game against the Warriors this weekend
This evening the Cronulla Sharks NRL team will debut their historic 'Tangata Moana' Pasifika jersey when they run out against the Warriors at home, honouring and acknowledging the Sharks Pasifika players who have laid down the foundation for the players today and for those who will continue to be leaders. The jersey design and concept had been driven by the club's Pasifika and Maori NRL players - KL Iro (Cook Islands), Braden Hamlin-Uele, Ronaldo Mulitalo and Oregon Kaufusi (Samoan), Addin Fonua-Blake, Sione Katoa, Siosifa Talakai and Chris Vea'ila (Tongan) and Briton Nikora, Mawene Hiroti, Tuku Hau Tapuha and Niwai and Hohepa Puru (Maori). The jersey itself 'Tagata Moana' honours the strength, resilience and legacy of Pasifika people. Cronulla Sharks prop and Tonga Rugby League co-captain Addin Fonua Blake says that these qualities show up in the Pasifika community here in Australia. Cronulla Sharks prop Addin Fonua-Blake is also Tonga Rugby League's co-captain. ( Supplied: Cronulla Sharks ) "Obviously moving countries, working so hard to provide for their families and for their children for a better opportunity in their upbringing," he said. "So you know, they're very resilient people, obviously get knocked about a lot but the determination to keep working hard for their families, it's a strong pillar." Sharks Centre KL Iro agreed, pointing out that most Cook Islanders live abroad but as a nation they're strong and when they go home, everyone's just family. "I think there's 200,000 that live in Australia or New Zealand or everywhere else and there's only 16 or 18 thousand back home," he said. "We've always been a voyaging country but we're proud to be Cook Islanders." Renowned Pasifika artists Allen Vili and Katrina Iosia from the Katal Creative Studio in New Zealand and with Samoan/Maori and Niuean heritage respectively, are behind bringing the designs to life on the jerseys incorporating symbols and patterns from the Pacific. Now that Pacific representation in the NRL is over 50 per cent, fellow Sharks Centre Siosifa Talakai says it's special to have pacific culture represented on the jersey because growing up there weren't many Pacific Islanders in the game. "There wasn't much representation when we were younger in the NRL, but now to have our culture on a jersey, yeah that's something special to all of us," he said "It makes it that much more special that we're going to run out in it come Saturday night." Siosifa Talakai says it'll be special running out wearing the Pasifika jersey. ( Supplied: Cronulla Sharks ) Some of the patterns on the jerseys have special meaning to the players and are patterns that they also have inked on their own bodies. Iro says the Cook Islands designs used on the jerseys are designs he has tattooed and asked to have included on the jersey, the main one being the Tiki Tiki Tangata. "It represents our people holding hands, I've got it tatted on my back as well as the spearhead pattern which represents our warriors as well," he said "It's pretty special to actually see it on our jersey, I don't think an actual Cook Islands design in itself has been on a (NRL) jersey before." This round also doubles as the 'Sharks have heart' round in celebration of the community coming together as one and will be a memorable round for Iro with at least 75 people coming from Rarotonga to watch the game including his father, former Cook Islands and Kiwi international Kevin Iro. The senior Iro is in town coaching the Arorangi Bears Under 13s team, a club that the younger Iro grew up playing for in Rarotonga. KL Iro heads over the try line to score for the Cronulla Sharks. ( Supplied: Cronulla Sharks ) The team played the Kurnell Stingrays last night with cultural performances and a BBQ to celebrate the unity between the clubs after the game. KL who has just recently decided to go by his unofficial birth name which are the initials of his father Kevin Leslie, has fond memories growing up in Rarotonga and is one of only two Cook Islanders who grew up in the Cooks to have made it to the NRL. "Hopefully I can be a role model to younger kids looking up to me, and they can know that it's possible and they can know that they can get here as well," he said. One memory in particular stands out when his father used to coach the Titikaveka Bulldogs and would make the team train longer if they couldn't beat a young KL. "When I was a little kid, I used to be really fit, just a little crazy fella and I used to join the fitness drills with the adults," he laughed. "I think my Dad used to give them a challenge, if I beat them, then they'll keep going so yeah, it's pretty funny. With his father and a big group of Cook Islanders watching on tomorrow, KL and the rest of his Pasifika Sharks team mates will be hoping to emulate the strength, resilience and legacy that their jerseys represent.
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Comeback Crows' late surge sinks Brisbane in thriller
Adelaide have produced a stunning last-quarter comeback to sink reigning premiers Brisbane by five points in an AFL thriller. Down 17 points at three-quarter time, the Crows then booted five goals to none for a 10.8 (68) to 8.15 (63) triumph at a rain-soaked Adelaide Oval on Friday night. Adelaide retain a hold on third spot - they're just two premiership points behind the second-placed Lions. Adelaide boast nine wins and four losses and appear certain to return to the finals for the first time since 2017. "I know we're we're a good side; we have got a little bit still to do to become a great side," Crows coach Matthew Nicks said. "But tonight is a step in the right direction. It backs up my belief in the group, there's no doubt about that." Adelaide livewire Josh Rachele slotted three goals, as did Ben Keays (20 disposals, seven inside 50s) who was outstanding against his former club. And their captain, Jordan Dawson, took a mark-of-the-year contender - and then goaled - during a final-term flourish which enhances the Crows' status as a genuine contender. Brisbane duo Cam Rayner and Charlie Cameron kicked two goals each and Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft was superb with a game-high 31 disposals. Ashcroft's midfield colleagues Hugh McCluggage (27 touches, one goal), Jarrod Berry (28 possessions) and Lachie Neal (22) also revelled in the wet. In slippery conditions, it took until the 21st minute of the game for Brisbane's Rayner to score the opening goal. Just 60 seconds later, the Lions struck again when Callum Ah Chee bounced through a major. The visitors led 2.3 to 0.6 at the end of a first quarter which could land Crows recruit James Peatling in strife for a sling tackle on Neale. The Lions champ wasn't hurt when his head hit the turf but Peatling was penalised for a dangerous tackle certain to attract match review scrutiny. Brisbane scored three goals in nine minutes to create a 21-point advantage midway through the second term. But Adelaide responded to the danger with Rachele threading a remarkable 45m set shot from outside a boundary line to help cut their deficit to eight points at halftime, 5.3 to 3.7. That advantage was reduced to two points early in the third quarter when Rachele snapped his second goal - and 26 minutes into the term, the home side were still within four points. But late strikes from Cameron and Kai Lohmann gave Brisbane a 17-point buffer at three-quarter time. Adelaide then stormed to victory with five goals to none in less than 18 minutes. Tall attacker Riley Thilthorpe triggered the spree with a classy goal on the run from an acute angle - Keays, Dawson - after his soaring mark - Rachele and Keays again followed with majors for an 11-point lead. The Lions pressed late but could add only eight behinds in the final quarter - plus two attempts which sailed out-on-the-full. "In the last quarter - 10 shots to five - and we lose. That was a game we should have won," Lions coach Chris Fagan said. "We did so many things right and didn't win the game." Adelaide have produced a stunning last-quarter comeback to sink reigning premiers Brisbane by five points in an AFL thriller. Down 17 points at three-quarter time, the Crows then booted five goals to none for a 10.8 (68) to 8.15 (63) triumph at a rain-soaked Adelaide Oval on Friday night. Adelaide retain a hold on third spot - they're just two premiership points behind the second-placed Lions. Adelaide boast nine wins and four losses and appear certain to return to the finals for the first time since 2017. "I know we're we're a good side; we have got a little bit still to do to become a great side," Crows coach Matthew Nicks said. "But tonight is a step in the right direction. It backs up my belief in the group, there's no doubt about that." Adelaide livewire Josh Rachele slotted three goals, as did Ben Keays (20 disposals, seven inside 50s) who was outstanding against his former club. And their captain, Jordan Dawson, took a mark-of-the-year contender - and then goaled - during a final-term flourish which enhances the Crows' status as a genuine contender. Brisbane duo Cam Rayner and Charlie Cameron kicked two goals each and Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft was superb with a game-high 31 disposals. Ashcroft's midfield colleagues Hugh McCluggage (27 touches, one goal), Jarrod Berry (28 possessions) and Lachie Neal (22) also revelled in the wet. In slippery conditions, it took until the 21st minute of the game for Brisbane's Rayner to score the opening goal. Just 60 seconds later, the Lions struck again when Callum Ah Chee bounced through a major. The visitors led 2.3 to 0.6 at the end of a first quarter which could land Crows recruit James Peatling in strife for a sling tackle on Neale. The Lions champ wasn't hurt when his head hit the turf but Peatling was penalised for a dangerous tackle certain to attract match review scrutiny. Brisbane scored three goals in nine minutes to create a 21-point advantage midway through the second term. But Adelaide responded to the danger with Rachele threading a remarkable 45m set shot from outside a boundary line to help cut their deficit to eight points at halftime, 5.3 to 3.7. That advantage was reduced to two points early in the third quarter when Rachele snapped his second goal - and 26 minutes into the term, the home side were still within four points. But late strikes from Cameron and Kai Lohmann gave Brisbane a 17-point buffer at three-quarter time. Adelaide then stormed to victory with five goals to none in less than 18 minutes. Tall attacker Riley Thilthorpe triggered the spree with a classy goal on the run from an acute angle - Keays, Dawson - after his soaring mark - Rachele and Keays again followed with majors for an 11-point lead. The Lions pressed late but could add only eight behinds in the final quarter - plus two attempts which sailed out-on-the-full. "In the last quarter - 10 shots to five - and we lose. That was a game we should have won," Lions coach Chris Fagan said. "We did so many things right and didn't win the game." Adelaide have produced a stunning last-quarter comeback to sink reigning premiers Brisbane by five points in an AFL thriller. Down 17 points at three-quarter time, the Crows then booted five goals to none for a 10.8 (68) to 8.15 (63) triumph at a rain-soaked Adelaide Oval on Friday night. Adelaide retain a hold on third spot - they're just two premiership points behind the second-placed Lions. Adelaide boast nine wins and four losses and appear certain to return to the finals for the first time since 2017. "I know we're we're a good side; we have got a little bit still to do to become a great side," Crows coach Matthew Nicks said. "But tonight is a step in the right direction. It backs up my belief in the group, there's no doubt about that." Adelaide livewire Josh Rachele slotted three goals, as did Ben Keays (20 disposals, seven inside 50s) who was outstanding against his former club. And their captain, Jordan Dawson, took a mark-of-the-year contender - and then goaled - during a final-term flourish which enhances the Crows' status as a genuine contender. Brisbane duo Cam Rayner and Charlie Cameron kicked two goals each and Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft was superb with a game-high 31 disposals. Ashcroft's midfield colleagues Hugh McCluggage (27 touches, one goal), Jarrod Berry (28 possessions) and Lachie Neal (22) also revelled in the wet. In slippery conditions, it took until the 21st minute of the game for Brisbane's Rayner to score the opening goal. Just 60 seconds later, the Lions struck again when Callum Ah Chee bounced through a major. The visitors led 2.3 to 0.6 at the end of a first quarter which could land Crows recruit James Peatling in strife for a sling tackle on Neale. The Lions champ wasn't hurt when his head hit the turf but Peatling was penalised for a dangerous tackle certain to attract match review scrutiny. Brisbane scored three goals in nine minutes to create a 21-point advantage midway through the second term. But Adelaide responded to the danger with Rachele threading a remarkable 45m set shot from outside a boundary line to help cut their deficit to eight points at halftime, 5.3 to 3.7. That advantage was reduced to two points early in the third quarter when Rachele snapped his second goal - and 26 minutes into the term, the home side were still within four points. But late strikes from Cameron and Kai Lohmann gave Brisbane a 17-point buffer at three-quarter time. Adelaide then stormed to victory with five goals to none in less than 18 minutes. Tall attacker Riley Thilthorpe triggered the spree with a classy goal on the run from an acute angle - Keays, Dawson - after his soaring mark - Rachele and Keays again followed with majors for an 11-point lead. The Lions pressed late but could add only eight behinds in the final quarter - plus two attempts which sailed out-on-the-full. "In the last quarter - 10 shots to five - and we lose. That was a game we should have won," Lions coach Chris Fagan said. "We did so many things right and didn't win the game."
