Cobbo issues Origin statement as Broncos chase down Dolphins
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Selwyn Cobbo could hardly have issued a more magical reminder to Queensland coach Billy Slater of what he can do on a football field, scoring a match-winning hat-trick as the Broncos conquered the Dolphins 24-16 in the Battle of Brisbane’s second instalment.
Without the suspended Reece Walsh and injured forwards Tom Flegler, Jordan Riki and Kurt Capewell, coach Kevin Walters’ men needed someone to stand up, having been blasted for poor attitude in last week’s defeat to the Gold Coast.
It was a moment of sheer brilliance with his side down by two points and just 10 minutes to go that epitomised Cobbo’s brilliance.
An attempt to shift the ball through the hands on last tackle went to ground, with the gifted flyer forced to backpedal to regather possession.
A clever chip and regather, while somehow keeping his ball carrying arm elevated as he was being tackled, orchestrated his second try for the night before he scored again at the death to keep Brisbane level with the ladder-leading Panthers.
Slater will name his Maroons team for Game III on Monday, with a forced change to his back line needed following a contrary conduct suspension to fullback Reece Walsh.
While Gold Coast star and Game II 18th man AJ Brimson looms as the most likely inclusion, Dolphins sensation Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow could move to the No.1 jumper. This would open the door for Cobbo to potentially return at centre, having crossed twice on the wing in the series opener.
Selwyn Cobbo might have done enough on Saturday night to regain his Queensland Origin spot.Credit: Getty
Cobbo’s class on the flank was evident early when he opened the scoring, replacement custodian Tristan Sailor finding his speedster who walked the sideline tightrope and crossed in the corner.
He went on to finish with 137 running metres, two line breaks and eight tackle busts in a statement performance on the eve of Origin selections.
FARNWORTH’S STATEMENT TO NEW CLUB
Herbie Farnworth signalled to his forthcoming teammates just how much of an asset he will be in Dolphins colours, scoring a crucial double to give his side a first-half lead.
The English international, who will join Wayne Bennett’s men in 2024, was tireless in finishing with 146m, two line-breaks and eight tackle-busts, before being forced from the field late after being felled by a suspected crusher tackle.
Herbie Farnworth.Credit: Getty
MONSTER COMES OF AGE
Valynce Te Whare has been a name on rugby league pundits lips; a man blessed with plenty of size and raw, untapped, ability yet to be truly unleashed.
He had shown glimpses of it, but on Saturday night he announced himself as a force to be reckoned with.
The rugby union convert, playing his sixth NRL game, showed brute strength to score the try which got the Dolphins back in the contest and was a constant handful for the defensive edge of Farnworth and Corey Oates.
The 22-year-old Kiwi product finished with 137m, two line-breaks and eight tackle-busts to inspire his side’s comeback, having come out of the sheds down 14-6.
BRISBANE BRONCOS 24 (S Cobbo 3, H Farnworth 2 tries; A Reynolds 2 goals) def DOLPHINS 16 (K Nikorima, V Te Whare, J Marshall-King tries; J Isaako 2 goals)
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