Why Cobbo's 'unexpected' cameo is a peek at Broncos future

Selwyn Cobbo's cameo at fullback may have given Broncos fans a glimpse into the future, according to Phil Gould.

Cobbo got an unexpected chance in the position in the Broncos' 34-12 loss to the Panthers on Thursday night following Reece Walsh's headclash with Taylan May.

Having started at centre, Cobbo made 135m from 13 runs. Given scans have confirmed Walsh has suffered a facial fracture, Cobbo could be the man to plug the hole for weeks to come.

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Selwyn Cobbo of the Broncos runs the ball during the round three NRL match between Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos at BlueBet Stadium on March 21, 2024 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Gould earlier in the week said Walsh could mirror the move made by Broncos legend Darren Lockyer midway through his career and move into the halves alongside Ezra Mam.

Lockyer moved from fullback to five-eighth in 2004, splitting his career almost perfectly in half.

Speaking on Wide World of Sports' Six Tackles with Gus, Gould was asked who the best halves pairings were in the NRL.

He said the Panthers' pairing of Nathan Cleary and Jarome Luai was the best right now, followed by Mam and Reynolds.

Selwyn Cobbo of the Broncos runs the ball during the round three NRL match between Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos at BlueBet Stadium on March 21, 2024 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

Gould has said on several occasions the Broncos needed to win the comp sooner rather than later before Adam Reynolds' body starts to fail him.

Injury kept him out of the grand final rematch. 

"I said earlier this year they're going to have to win the comp this year – (Reynolds) is a little big plagued with injury at the moment," he said.

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NRL Highlights: Panthers v Broncos - Round 3

"Mam and Reece Walsh might end up the halves pairing for them for a decade."

He said should Walsh join Mam in the halves following Reynolds' retirement, Cobbo would be the man to slip into Walsh's old spot.

After the match, Cobbo told Paul Gallen on Nine's coverage he was open to playing more at fullback.

"I wasn't expecting to play fullback. I guess, any position I play I guess I have to do my stuff for the team," he said.

The Broncos face the Cowboys, Storm and Dolphins in the next three weeks.

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