Broncos star Cobbo ready for State of Origin, says Thurston

Last year, Selwyn Cobbo was tearing up the Queensland Cup for Wynnum Manly. This year, the Broncos wing sensation is on track to tear up the State of Origin arena.

They were the thoughts of Queensland legend and assistant coach Johnathan Thurston after the 19-year-old’s sensational performance for Brisbane against South Sydney at Accor Stadium last Thursday night.

The supremely gifted athlete scored two tries and ran for 193m, while busting a stunning nine tackles in his team’s 32-12 win.

That included a scorching 95m intercept try where the Cherbourg product easily burnt decorated Rabbitohs winger Alex Johnston for pace.

Thurston believes Cobbo has all the attributes needed to be an Origin star, including a taste for the physical side of the game.

“He doesn’t mind the tough stuff as well. Not only can he score tries, but he likes taking those tough carries from the backfield,” Thurston told BettingSite.com.au.

“He’s what you need, and Corey Oates has been playing extremely well on the other side for Brisbane as well.”

Cobbo is just one of many young Queenslanders shining in the NRL this year.

While the Broncos are now in the top eight, the Cowboys are in third place after a comfortable 36-16 win over Newcastle on Saturday night.

Jeremiah Nanai, Heilum Luki, Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Reuben Cotter are all north Queensland products in fine form, and they could enjoy long careers in the Maroons jersey.

And Cowboys legend Thurston is delighted to see so many local juniors at his club now pushing for higher honours.

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“They’re all going really well,” he said.

“He (Nanai) is going really good – he’s flying at the moment and it’s good to see.

“All the young boys are going well.

“They’re working extremely hard for each other and they’re reaping the rewards for it.”

Thurston is part of a new Maroons coaching staff this year alongside fellow legends Billy Slater and Cameron Smith, as well as his former Cowboys teammate Josh Hannay.

“We played a lot of State of Origins together,” Thurston said.

“We’re all looking forward to it; it’s very exciting.”

The first Origin game of 2022 will be at Accor Stadium on June 8.

Queensland has lost three of the past four Origin series, but there is a belief that the young talent coming through could lead to a change of fortunes for the Sunshine State this year.

“We do have some really good young boys coming through and it’s really good signs for Queensland,” Thurston said.

“We’re in a good position so far. But State of Origin is still a while away.

“We’ve got a lot of depth and everyone is playing pretty good footy so far this year.

“The spine which we had last year is going well.”

If the Maroons do decide to give the nod to young stars like Cobbo or Nanai this year, Thurston expects them to be ready for the step up in intensity.

“When you’re playing State of Origin, you’re not rebuilding,” he said.

“The people you put in there have to have the belief they can get the job done for you.”

Queensland will be missing a key cog with Melbourne Storm star Christian Welch ruled out due to an Achilles injury.

“Welchy is a big loss in the front row,” Thurston said.

“But that gives an opportunity for someone else to step in and do a good job.”

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