Eleventh-hour Cobbo twist: Dolphins beat Cowboys to signing punch

The Redcliffe Dolphins have signed Selwyn Cobbo out from under the North Queensland Cowboys’ noses in a shock end to the signing saga that’s played out around the winger through this week.

Word around Brisbane was the Dolphins had long pulled out of negotiations – and The Sporting Base reported as much last week – with the Cowboys firmed as favourites.

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There had been some interest from the St George Illawarra Dragons too, with the joint venture going so far as to show Cobbo around Wollongong facilities late last week, but Shane Flanagan and the Red V bosses pulled out of early negotiations with Cobbo quite quickly once the Broncos refused to release the dropped winger early.

Most media were reporting Todd Payten had got his man for 2026. Only, the Dolphins weren’t really done.

Cobbo will now join Redcliffe on a one-year deal for next season, the Dolphins confirmed today.

“The Dolphins have always said we are about continuing to build a roster that will make us one of the top teams in the NRL,” Dolphins CEO Terry Reader said after the surprise signing.

“Selwyn is an accomplished player who’s done amazing things at both Origin and NRL level.

“But we believe he has untapped potential to go to even greater heights in our game and are excited about what he can do in a Dolphins jersey.”

Cobbo leaned towards Redcliffe because he wants to stay in Brisbane; he has long been vocal about wanting to stay at the Broncos and was publicly disappointed by the fact he had landed on the chopping block amid a $4 million salary-cap squeeze at Red Hill. (The club has instead picked Josiah Karapani, who re-signed on Wednesday.)

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The Sporting Base understands Cobbo is taking a pay cut to join the Dolphins, though not quite the downsizing the Broncos offered – to stay, he would have lost $350,000 a year.