As the Broncos look to bounce back from two disappointing losses to the NRL’s best team, prop Corey Jensen has backed Selwyn Cobbo to succeed in fullback Reece Walsh’s absence.
Prior to the announcement that he will likely miss the next four to six weeks due to a PCL worry, Walsh fought through a knee injury during Brisbane’s golden point loss against the Warriors on Saturday.
As a tactic to highlight his qualifications as the next high-profile recruitment target, Cobbo has been moved to the No. 1 jumper. Fullbacks are now among the highest-paid players in the game, and he has no contract beyond this year.
Cobbo, 22, would bring a fresh approach to Walsh, according to Jensen, who begged Cobbo to see the path to success being paved under coach Michael Maguire. However, Cobbo possessed the tools to thrive against the unbeaten Bulldogs on Thursday night.
“We have complete faith he can step in there, even though he’s a different type of player than Reecey. He has his own qualities that he will bring to the team,” Jensen stated.
“The larger, more agile fullback has a place, but there are a lot more smaller fullbacks. We anticipate that he will be heavily involved on Thursday night because of his excellent running game.
Cobbo will need to find a new gear against the Bulldogs, even though he has averaged 131 running metres and almost four tackle busts per game this season as a winger.
In their six meetings, the ladder-leaders have only given up 58 points, while the Dragons have given up 118, the next-best total.
But when it comes to one-on-one play and providing support in the middle of the field, Cobbo’s stronger body might make the task more difficult.
Cobbo has only started in the position twice, both times in victories, and has 377 total running metres. Last year, he moved into the position against Penrith after Walsh was substituted out in the first few minutes, scoring 167 metres and seven tackle busts.
Cobbo has 377 total running meters and has only started in the position twice, both times during wins. He scored 167 metres and seven tackle busts last year when he took Walsh’s place against Penrith after the latter was replaced in the opening minutes.
Walsh has improved defensively and positionally, and Maguire has been keen to point that out, but he still leads the competition in errors (15) and hasn’t had the standout performances that led Brisbane to their last grand final.
Pat Carrigan, a standout for the Broncos, thought Walsh would be rejuvenated for the remainder of the season by receiving time off.
“I don’t think you want to be in that situation because you don’t want to get hurt. Many of the nice things we’ve been doing have been a result of him, but it can also be a good thing and give you an opportunity to watch some football and work on other things,” Carrigan said.
“My 2021 ACL injury allowed me to take a longer break, which helped me feel refreshed and renewed.”
“When he returns, I’m sure he’ll be rested and ready to go if you can find the good in it and improve in some small way.”
