Brisbane Broncos: Kevin Walters hopeful Herbie Farnworth and Selwyn Cobbo will commit
Brisbane coach Kevin Walters says he is hopeful young guns Selwyn Cobbo and Herbie Farnworth will turn their back on lucrative offers from elsewhere to stay with the Broncos.
The Broncos appear to be back in business under the leadership of Walters. They are back in the top eight following a 5-4 start to the season and Walters believes this is just the start.
But key to Brisbane’s progress will be keeping their young stars. Several have moved on in recent seasons as the Broncos have struggled. Xavier Coates included. However Walters believes the tide is turning again and Cobbo and co will want to stay.
Selwyn Cobbo flying
Flying winger Cobbo has been a revelation this season and could play State of Origin. He is available from the end of 2023 though and there will be no shortage of interest.
The same will apply to Farnworth. The 22-year-old has come in to his own this season and interest will be there. Walters admits managing the salary cap is always an issue. However he says money is not everything and playing for Brisbane and challenging for silverware again will hold a lot of weight.
He believes the resurgence of the Broncos will help keep Cobbo and Farnworth.
“Life’s not all about money. It does help but it’s not the only factor,” Walters told reporters. “The environment they’re in and creating themselves is a huge one for us and we feel we’re on the right pathway as far as that goes.
“It does get tricky to balance your salary cap, we’re building the club up again and those two are a big part of that.”
The Broncos have had some tough times. They picked up the wooden spoon in the 2020 campaign. Walters took them to 14th last season but it is this campaign that has offered the most hope for the fans.
Brisbane to face Manly
Next up they face Manly on Friday night in the Magic Round. They are gunning for their fourth win on the bounce. The last time they did that was back in 2017. But Walters has always had faith in this current crop.
“I’ve thought that (we’re a finals team) from the get go; we just need to keep playing well, consistently, like all the good teams do,” he added.
“I didn’t know that (it’s been five years since their last four-game winning streak), but it doesn’t surprise me either. It’s just about winning tomorrow night and doing the things we’ve been doing for the last month; working hard from marker, kick chase, pressure, all the little things.”