Corey Parker has addressed the speculation surrounding the exit of Selwyn Cobbo as the Broncos great admitted Brisbane have a huge decision to make as Reece Walsh’s $5 million deal remains pending. Speculation the North Queensland Cowboys could be a destination for Cobbo have piqued the interest of NRL fans with Valentine Holmes and Kyle Feldt both departing. Cobbo could a direct replacement for Holmes if the Cowboys choose to pursue the 22-year-old.
The Cowboys would presumably have plenty of space in their salary cap and former coach Kevin Walters admitted Cobbo or Kotoni Staggs might have to take a pay cut to remain at the Broncos. This comes as reports suggest Walsh has agreed to sign a huge $5 million deal with the club.
Walsh’s deal would make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history, but it makes sense with Peter V’landys coming out on Monday to claim the fullback’s marketing power is arguably the biggest in the game. This is aside from his special talent and State of Origin status at 22 years old.
And after tying down Payne Haas and Ezra Mam for a number of years on big deals, the Broncos find themselves struggling to hold onto all their stars. Coach Kevin Walters previously admitted that Cobbo and Staggs might have to take pay cuts in order to remain at the Broncos.
Club great Parker previously admitted he found it staggering the club hadn’t already offered the centre a $1 million a season deal, but he now feels the Cowboys could offer the Broncos star the money. While not knowing what is going on with the Cowboys’ salary cap situation, with players leaving ahead of the 2025 season, the Cowboys might be able to outbid the Broncos for the young talent.
“If he was going anywhere it would make sense for him to go north to the Cowboys. If that was the case I would have thought he would be taking Valentine Holmes’ money, $800,000-$900,000,” Parker said on SEN Radio.
“I have openly said if Selwyn Cobbo goes on the open market, I think he could fetch in excess of $1 million. Whether they have that in their cap, I am not sure.” Unless both Cobbo and Staggs want to take a pay cut the duo might find themselves looking at rival offers to boost their deals.
When asked about if the Broncos might be forced to let either Staggs or Cobbo leave, to offer the other more money to stay, Parker said he feels they have no other option. “If they are trying to get maximum dollar for themselves, yes, I think one does have to go,” Parker said on Tuesday.