‘Marquee talent’: Maroon Carrigan expresses confidence in Cobbo’s potential to excel

Queensland and Brisbane outside back Selwyn Cobbo will benefit greatly from a brief hiatus from the game, according to teammate Patrick Carrigan. Despite shining in a recent 38-10 victory in Sydney, Cobbo was omitted from the Maroons’ lineup for game two of the State of Origin series in Melbourne. Battling injuries, Cobbo’s coach Billy Slater emphasized the importance of mental and physical recuperation for both Cobbo and the team. Taking advantage of the Brisbane Broncos’ bye week, Cobbo received permission to return to his hometown of Cherbourg, where he plans to spend valuable time with family before resuming play.

The Indigenous community northwest of Brisbane is where Cobbo finds solace away from the rigours of life as a professional athlete.

“Selwyn is good. We chat pretty regularly,” Carrigan said,.

“Bill has already touched on a number of little things (about why Cobbo was left out), and it’s also for him to get his body right.

“He is taking some time away. He has been playing really tough for us and even in game one of Origin he was busted, too.

“He was heading back out to Cherbourg when I was talking to him and he is going to have some time away, and that’s of his (own) accord.

“He is a special player in this arena and we will get him back for the Broncos.”

Broncos and Maroons lock Carrigan said he understood how Cobbo was feeling.

“I am a couple of years older than him, but I know having gone through the NRL season it is a tough slog mentally,” Carrigan said.

“Especially that’s the case if you pick up an injury early on in the year.

“For a lot of the competition you are needling for six or seven weeks and it’s tough.

“The best version of Selwyn is when he is healthy for us. He has shown a lot of courage to date, so I’m keen for him to have some time off and enjoy himself and come back refreshed.”

Cobbo’s position in game two has been taken by the 30-year-old Kurt Capewell, who also backed the young Bronco to bounce back.

“Selwyn played great in the first game and he’s getting better and better every time he plays in clubland and for his state,” Capewell said.

“Billy saw this (omission) as part of his development and I’m sure Selwyn will take it on board.

“Moving forward he will be a better player. He will be in the Origin arena for a long time and he is going to play some special games.

“I look forward to watching Selwyn again in Origin.”