‘That extra oomph’: How Cobbo rose from NRL exile to Origin hero

June 24, 2026 — 5:00am

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There was a time when it seemed Selwyn Cobbo would become one of rugby league’s most wasted talents, as he languished in Broncos exile and struggled to tap into his potential.

But his arrival at the Dolphins has coincided with one of the NRL’s greatest transformations.

In game two, Cobbo produced one of the most emphatic performances by a winger in State of Origin history to keep the Queensland Maroons’ series alive – scoring three tries and running for 199 metres, with three linebreaks and seven tackle busts.

“I’ve not seen a winger play like that before in Origin, he was very impressive,” Dolphins centre Herbie Farnworth gushed.

For those who have watched him daily, the 24-year-old’s exploits came as no surprise.

“You get what you deserve in our game,” Queensland coach Billy Slater said, “and Selwyn is getting what he deserves.”

Cobbo made the move to the Dolphins in need of a career rejuvenation, having fought hamstring issues and a stint in reserve grade to ultimately be left out of Brisbane’s miracle premiership run.

While his talent was undeniable, his work ethic was lacking and his mental fortitude was in question, as he was often given time away from........

© The Age