Selwyn Cobbo will no longer be a teenager when he lined up for the national anthem ahead of his home state inauguration, but legendary New South Wales Blues coach Phil Gould still believes the Bronco boom has been selected for on his debut in Queensland too soon.
Rookie Maroons coach Billy Slater couldn’t resist picking Cobbo in phenomenal form in his second season in the NRL, shutting him down on the right wing of Queensland.
The 19-game Bronco has exploded in recent weeks, crossing 10 tries in its last six appearances, including three doubles and a hat-trick.
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But it is Cobbo’s ability without the ball that causes Gould to question his selection of Maroons.
Phil Gould has questioned the selection of the home state of the Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo, arguing that it has come too soon. (Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images)
“He’s obviously a player of the future,” Gould told Nine’s 100% Footy.
“Personally, I think it’s too early. But Queensland has done it with an external back in the past and they obviously have a great opinion of (Cobbo).
“He’s a striker.”
Former NSW captain Paul Gallen was puzzled by Gould’s opinion.
“Gus, what makes you think it’s too early when you see how he played?” said Gallen.
“For me, especially when it comes out of the bottom, that’s where it has been so harmful.
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“So what makes you think it’s too early? Pure age?”
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Gould explained his thinking.
“His readings in defense,” he replied.
“I think under pressure at a different level (this) can be quite exciting at different stages of the game. That’s where it’s going to be directed, that’s where it’s going to be discovered.
“He’s not so worried about him in the air, or so worried about him coming back, he’s not scared, he’s an old kid, he’s going to handle himself physically.
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“But the way these guys play and the way they move the ball these days and the speed with which they do it and the accuracy of their passes, when you play against (James) Tedesco and these teammates, Jarome Luai, are going to point it to this side of the field “.
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Cobbo will turn 20 three days before debuting with Origin.
The man who lined up on the left wing of the Maroons, Melbourne winger Xavier Coates, made his debut with Origin at 19 years and 235 days, having his chance with Wayne Bennett in the first game of 2020.
Greg Inglis and Israel Folau were also introduced to the original cauldron at an earlier age than Cobbo.
Slater was happy to give it a try.
“He said thank you a few times,” the Maroons coach said with a smile.
“He is a nice guy and he has taken the game by storm. He has illuminated the game a lot, he is very excited.
“It’s doing really well that we don’t focus, too, which is a big reason it’s there.”
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