Maguire explains shock call to drop Broncos star
Broncos coach Michael Maguire is confident Selwyn Cobbo can win back his starting spot and potentially earn a new contract at the club despite dropping the State of Origin hopeful to reserve grade this weekend.
Cobbo was initially named on the wing to take on the Titans on Saturday night but will instead play in the Queensland Cup after Maguire confirmed Josiah Karapani would come in to make his season debut after he played 10 games in 2024.
'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,' Maguire said.
'Karapani's got his opportunity and 'Selly's' got to look at a few things in his game and we'll go from there.
'Selly and I talk all the time about what we need to do, so I'll keep that (conversation) between us.
'There's obviously things that every player goes through at times and this is no different.
'Selly's in the background doing his work to make sure he gets himself right.'
Cobbo remains unsigned for 2026, but Maguire insists his decision to drop the former Origin winger doesn't mean the end of his time in Brisbane.
The powerful outside back has been challenged to win back his starting spot, with Broncos great Justin Hodges surprised Cobbo was the man to lose his spot after the Broncos were soundly beaten by Manly last week. Cobbo doesn't have a contract for next year and could be squeezed out of the Broncos. NRL Photos Credit: Supplied
'I'm here to coach the team. We're creating standards and the team themselves, from the day when I walked in to where they are now, are still pushing those, which is exciting as a coach,' Maguire said.
'The more you meet those standards, the more opportunities you have.'
The Broncos have plenty of reasons to aim up this weekend, with everyone now on notice ahead of the derby where the club will celebrate skipper Adam Reynolds' 300th NRL appearance.
It's been a challenging couple of months for the Broncos who have dropped out of the top eight, but they have received a big boost with livewire fullback Reece Walsh returning from injury to breathe life into their attack.
'Reece is ready to go,' his coach said.
'We felt another week was required and he's trained really well this week. I'm looking forward to bringing his energy back in. He's a good player. I love coaching him, he'll do his job for the team.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
4 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Mayday, Mayday: Wests Tigers answer Taylan's call
Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson believes Taylan May deserves a second chance in the NRL, after signing the outside back on a train-and-trial deal. The Tigers on Tuesday formally won the race for May's signature, with the Samoan international agreeing to a deal for the rest of this season. The contract is May's first since he was released from Penrith last season, after the Panthers attempted to rip up his contract over a number of off-field indiscretions. May played 30 games for the Panthers between 2021 and 2024 but never featured in any of their grand finals because of injury. The 23-year-old also had domestic violence charges against him dropped in March, after his wife who had accused him of punching did not show up in court. May had pleaded not guilty to the charges and has since spent time in a mental health facility undergoing treatment. The former Panther will not be able to immediately return to the field, with the NRL only conditionally approving his comeback. In a statement on Tuesday, the Tigers said training and off-field standards needed to be met before May could play again. "Taylan, like all our players, will be joining a club which has a culture of putting healthy relationships first," CEO Shane Richardson said. "Taylan has made enormous strides since we first met with him 10 weeks ago through voluntarily attending education and counselling sessions. "All players deserve a second chance and we think this is the environment which gives him the best chance of success both on and off the field." May's move to the Tigers came after he had met with South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett and toured the club's Heffron Park facilities. But the Tigers signing will allow him to play alongside his brother Terrell, with the duo and older brother Tyrone May all keen to one day play together. "Clearly, Taylan is a quality player who will further strengthen our squad in the back end of the competition," Richardson said. "But we also believe his best chance of success on and off the field is if he is around family and friends. "He will now have the chance to not only return to a team environment but also to play alongside his brother Terrell – which is important to him." Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson believes Taylan May deserves a second chance in the NRL, after signing the outside back on a train-and-trial deal. The Tigers on Tuesday formally won the race for May's signature, with the Samoan international agreeing to a deal for the rest of this season. The contract is May's first since he was released from Penrith last season, after the Panthers attempted to rip up his contract over a number of off-field indiscretions. May played 30 games for the Panthers between 2021 and 2024 but never featured in any of their grand finals because of injury. The 23-year-old also had domestic violence charges against him dropped in March, after his wife who had accused him of punching did not show up in court. May had pleaded not guilty to the charges and has since spent time in a mental health facility undergoing treatment. The former Panther will not be able to immediately return to the field, with the NRL only conditionally approving his comeback. In a statement on Tuesday, the Tigers said training and off-field standards needed to be met before May could play again. "Taylan, like all our players, will be joining a club which has a culture of putting healthy relationships first," CEO Shane Richardson said. "Taylan has made enormous strides since we first met with him 10 weeks ago through voluntarily attending education and counselling sessions. "All players deserve a second chance and we think this is the environment which gives him the best chance of success both on and off the field." May's move to the Tigers came after he had met with South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett and toured the club's Heffron Park facilities. But the Tigers signing will allow him to play alongside his brother Terrell, with the duo and older brother Tyrone May all keen to one day play together. "Clearly, Taylan is a quality player who will further strengthen our squad in the back end of the competition," Richardson said. "But we also believe his best chance of success on and off the field is if he is around family and friends. "He will now have the chance to not only return to a team environment but also to play alongside his brother Terrell – which is important to him." Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson believes Taylan May deserves a second chance in the NRL, after signing the outside back on a train-and-trial deal. The Tigers on Tuesday formally won the race for May's signature, with the Samoan international agreeing to a deal for the rest of this season. The contract is May's first since he was released from Penrith last season, after the Panthers attempted to rip up his contract over a number of off-field indiscretions. May played 30 games for the Panthers between 2021 and 2024 but never featured in any of their grand finals because of injury. The 23-year-old also had domestic violence charges against him dropped in March, after his wife who had accused him of punching did not show up in court. May had pleaded not guilty to the charges and has since spent time in a mental health facility undergoing treatment. The former Panther will not be able to immediately return to the field, with the NRL only conditionally approving his comeback. In a statement on Tuesday, the Tigers said training and off-field standards needed to be met before May could play again. "Taylan, like all our players, will be joining a club which has a culture of putting healthy relationships first," CEO Shane Richardson said. "Taylan has made enormous strides since we first met with him 10 weeks ago through voluntarily attending education and counselling sessions. "All players deserve a second chance and we think this is the environment which gives him the best chance of success both on and off the field." May's move to the Tigers came after he had met with South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett and toured the club's Heffron Park facilities. But the Tigers signing will allow him to play alongside his brother Terrell, with the duo and older brother Tyrone May all keen to one day play together. "Clearly, Taylan is a quality player who will further strengthen our squad in the back end of the competition," Richardson said. "But we also believe his best chance of success on and off the field is if he is around family and friends. "He will now have the chance to not only return to a team environment but also to play alongside his brother Terrell – which is important to him."
The Advertiser
4 minutes ago
- The Advertiser
Knights confirm playmaker's long-awaited NRL return
Newcastle have finally turned to Jackson Hastings in the fight for their NRL season, with the out-of-favour half set to face another returning playmaker in Sam Walker in his comeback game. Off-contract Hastings appeared to have played his last game for the Knights when he was unable to crack first grade in a slump that yielded seven losses from eight games between March and May. Under-pressure Knights coach Adam O'Brien previously told reporters it would be "unfair" to recall Hastings and expect him to be able to turn the Knights' fortunes around. Reports had also claimed Hastings, unsighted at NRL level since last July, was at the centre of a rift with his Knights teammates. But with Kalyn Ponga away on State of Origin duty, the 15th-placed Knights have brought Hastings in to partner Jack Cogger in the halves against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday. The Knights had few options but to recall Hastings given Tyson Gamble remains sidelined with a thumb injury and Will Pryce was released to the English Super League in March. Fletcher Sharpe shifts from five-eighth to Ponga's fullback spot. Following a successful performance with the reserves last week, Roosters halfback Walker will play his first top-grade game since September after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Walker's return pushes Sandon Smith from the halves to the bench, with Hugo Savala retaining a spot in the starting side as reward for a strong first season to date. Out-of-favour winger Dom Young has also been recalled to the top grade amid the Roosters' Origin absences as he continues to be linked with a return to the Knights. Elsewhere, Tom Trbojevic returns from his corked quad to line up in Manly's match against Gold Coast. Sea Eagles veterans Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic will also be on hand after being overlooked for selection in the second Origin match. Jason Taumalolo is back from a calf injury for North Queensland's clash against intrastate rivals the Dolphins and the Cowboys have also recalled playmaker Jake Clifford to cover for Queensland representative Tom Dearden. As expected, Matt Burton's call-up to serve as NSW's 18th man for Origin II has opened a spot for Lachlan Galvin to start in the halves for the first time since joining Canterbury. The teenager will play five-eighth next to Toby Sexton for Sunday's meeting with South Sydney, who have lost Cody Walker to a groin issue. Jamie Humphreys will join Jayden Sullivan in the halves, with Jye Gray recalled at fullback to cover for Blues star Latrell Mitchell. St George Illawarra have recalled Tyrell Sloan from a week in reserve grade to replace Christian Tuipulotu, who misses the match with Cronulla through a hamstring issue. Newcastle have finally turned to Jackson Hastings in the fight for their NRL season, with the out-of-favour half set to face another returning playmaker in Sam Walker in his comeback game. Off-contract Hastings appeared to have played his last game for the Knights when he was unable to crack first grade in a slump that yielded seven losses from eight games between March and May. Under-pressure Knights coach Adam O'Brien previously told reporters it would be "unfair" to recall Hastings and expect him to be able to turn the Knights' fortunes around. Reports had also claimed Hastings, unsighted at NRL level since last July, was at the centre of a rift with his Knights teammates. But with Kalyn Ponga away on State of Origin duty, the 15th-placed Knights have brought Hastings in to partner Jack Cogger in the halves against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday. The Knights had few options but to recall Hastings given Tyson Gamble remains sidelined with a thumb injury and Will Pryce was released to the English Super League in March. Fletcher Sharpe shifts from five-eighth to Ponga's fullback spot. Following a successful performance with the reserves last week, Roosters halfback Walker will play his first top-grade game since September after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Walker's return pushes Sandon Smith from the halves to the bench, with Hugo Savala retaining a spot in the starting side as reward for a strong first season to date. Out-of-favour winger Dom Young has also been recalled to the top grade amid the Roosters' Origin absences as he continues to be linked with a return to the Knights. Elsewhere, Tom Trbojevic returns from his corked quad to line up in Manly's match against Gold Coast. Sea Eagles veterans Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic will also be on hand after being overlooked for selection in the second Origin match. Jason Taumalolo is back from a calf injury for North Queensland's clash against intrastate rivals the Dolphins and the Cowboys have also recalled playmaker Jake Clifford to cover for Queensland representative Tom Dearden. As expected, Matt Burton's call-up to serve as NSW's 18th man for Origin II has opened a spot for Lachlan Galvin to start in the halves for the first time since joining Canterbury. The teenager will play five-eighth next to Toby Sexton for Sunday's meeting with South Sydney, who have lost Cody Walker to a groin issue. Jamie Humphreys will join Jayden Sullivan in the halves, with Jye Gray recalled at fullback to cover for Blues star Latrell Mitchell. St George Illawarra have recalled Tyrell Sloan from a week in reserve grade to replace Christian Tuipulotu, who misses the match with Cronulla through a hamstring issue. Newcastle have finally turned to Jackson Hastings in the fight for their NRL season, with the out-of-favour half set to face another returning playmaker in Sam Walker in his comeback game. Off-contract Hastings appeared to have played his last game for the Knights when he was unable to crack first grade in a slump that yielded seven losses from eight games between March and May. Under-pressure Knights coach Adam O'Brien previously told reporters it would be "unfair" to recall Hastings and expect him to be able to turn the Knights' fortunes around. Reports had also claimed Hastings, unsighted at NRL level since last July, was at the centre of a rift with his Knights teammates. But with Kalyn Ponga away on State of Origin duty, the 15th-placed Knights have brought Hastings in to partner Jack Cogger in the halves against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday. The Knights had few options but to recall Hastings given Tyson Gamble remains sidelined with a thumb injury and Will Pryce was released to the English Super League in March. Fletcher Sharpe shifts from five-eighth to Ponga's fullback spot. Following a successful performance with the reserves last week, Roosters halfback Walker will play his first top-grade game since September after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Walker's return pushes Sandon Smith from the halves to the bench, with Hugo Savala retaining a spot in the starting side as reward for a strong first season to date. Out-of-favour winger Dom Young has also been recalled to the top grade amid the Roosters' Origin absences as he continues to be linked with a return to the Knights. Elsewhere, Tom Trbojevic returns from his corked quad to line up in Manly's match against Gold Coast. Sea Eagles veterans Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic will also be on hand after being overlooked for selection in the second Origin match. Jason Taumalolo is back from a calf injury for North Queensland's clash against intrastate rivals the Dolphins and the Cowboys have also recalled playmaker Jake Clifford to cover for Queensland representative Tom Dearden. As expected, Matt Burton's call-up to serve as NSW's 18th man for Origin II has opened a spot for Lachlan Galvin to start in the halves for the first time since joining Canterbury. The teenager will play five-eighth next to Toby Sexton for Sunday's meeting with South Sydney, who have lost Cody Walker to a groin issue. Jamie Humphreys will join Jayden Sullivan in the halves, with Jye Gray recalled at fullback to cover for Blues star Latrell Mitchell. St George Illawarra have recalled Tyrell Sloan from a week in reserve grade to replace Christian Tuipulotu, who misses the match with Cronulla through a hamstring issue.
West Australian
14 minutes ago
- West Australian
Knights confirm playmaker's long-awaited NRL return
Newcastle have finally turned to Jackson Hastings in the fight for their NRL season, with the out-of-favour half set to face another returning playmaker in Sam Walker in his comeback game. Off-contract Hastings appeared to have played his last game for the Knights when he was unable to crack first grade in a slump that yielded seven losses from eight games between March and May. Under-pressure Knights coach Adam O'Brien previously told reporters it would be "unfair" to recall Hastings and expect him to be able to turn the Knights' fortunes around. Reports had also claimed Hastings, unsighted at NRL level since last July, was at the centre of a rift with his Knights teammates. But with Kalyn Ponga away on State of Origin duty, the 15th-placed Knights have brought Hastings in to partner Jack Cogger in the halves against the Sydney Roosters on Saturday. The Knights had few options but to recall Hastings given Tyson Gamble remains sidelined with a thumb injury and Will Pryce was released to the English Super League in March. Fletcher Sharpe shifts from five-eighth to Ponga's fullback spot. Following a successful performance with the reserves last week, Roosters halfback Walker will play his first top-grade game since September after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Walker's return pushes Sandon Smith from the halves to the bench, with Hugo Savala retaining a spot in the starting side as reward for a strong first season to date. Out-of-favour winger Dom Young has also been recalled to the top grade amid the Roosters' Origin absences as he continues to be linked with a return to the Knights. Elsewhere, Tom Trbojevic returns from his corked quad to line up in Manly's match against Gold Coast. Sea Eagles veterans Daly Cherry-Evans and Jake Trbojevic will also be on hand after being overlooked for selection in the second Origin match. Jason Taumalolo is back from a calf injury for North Queensland's clash against intrastate rivals the Dolphins and the Cowboys have also recalled playmaker Jake Clifford to cover for Queensland representative Tom Dearden. As expected, Matt Burton's call-up to serve as NSW's 18th man for Origin II has opened a spot for Lachlan Galvin to start in the halves for the first time since joining Canterbury. The teenager will play five-eighth next to Toby Sexton for Sunday's meeting with South Sydney, who have lost Cody Walker to a groin issue. Jamie Humphreys will join Jayden Sullivan in the halves, with Jye Gray recalled at fullback to cover for Blues star Latrell Mitchell. St George Illawarra have recalled Tyrell Sloan from a week in reserve grade to replace Christian Tuipulotu, who misses the match with Cronulla through a hamstring issue.
