While no stranger to Suncorp Stadium, it would have taken a moment for fans to adjust to the new colours worn by Selwyn Cobbo as he ran out for his first official game as a Dolphin.
However, Cobbo took to his task like a fish to water against the Rabbitohs, running for 155 metres with a line break, two tackles breaks, a try assist and two key kick defusals, showing promising signs of more to come.
Back the same venue this Sunday against the Titans and hunting for the first win of the season, the former Broncos ace shared how he had found the move to a new club following a difficult 2025 season hampered by injury.
“Happy to play some footy again, didn't get the win, but I enjoyed every moment out on the field for playing for the Dolphins,” Cobbo told NRL.com.
“Last year wasn't the best year for me and I worked all pre-season just to get back to where I know I can be.
“I am just happy to play some footy again … I know that I've got full faith (from) everyone in this team.
“It's only Round 1, we'll go back to the drawing board, work on what we need to work on and get ready for our next game.”
Although a fan favourite at the Broncos, an injury setback and a dip in form all converged to see the former Queensland Maroons representative lose his spot in the starting line-up.
This coincided with the emergence of unheralded faces like Josiah Karapani and re-emergence of journeyman talent Gehamat Shibasaki who produced irresistible form at the right end of the season.
“When I did my hammy … Deine [Mariner] and Karapani were doing a great job, they deserved that wing spot last year,” Cobbo said.
“I was working hard trying to get back, but unfortunately I didn't get that spot, but I'm happy for them. They got the grand final.
“(It’s growth), it makes me who I am, it makes me better and makes me want to go after it more.”
Deep Dive: Dolphins v Titans
On his growth, Cobbo said coach Kristian Woolf had also provided a steadying hand as he worked to rediscover his best form.
“He tries to get the best out of me,” Cobbo said.
“Making sure I'm staying fit; he's encouraged me if I know I'm not training my best, to keep me up to standard.
“He wants me to be the best I can be this year.”
Following his club debut which saw him heavily targeted in defence, forward leader Felise Kaufusi praised his efforts to try and bring the ball back from his team’s danger zone.
“He was really strong for us,” Kaufusi said.
“Just like Kuli (Finefeuiaki Kulikefu), I thought he carried the ball really well and I think he’ll keep building that as the year goes on.
“Hopefully those two boys will get more opportunity to find the try-line.”
All Tries – Dolphins v Rabbitohs
While the Dolphins were disappointed with the defensive effort following their 40-30 loss against the Rabbitohs, they knew the Titans would also be looking for their first opportunity to make amends for their poor start to the season.
The away side this weekend, the Titans leaked even more points than their opponents, going down 50-10 to the Sharks.
“For sure (they will be fired up), Tino [Fa’asuamaleaui], all the Titans, just like us,” Kaufusi said.
“We got belted last week and so did they.
“We will both be up for it and see who comes out on top.
“Everyone is firing and we are ready to go.”
Match: Dolphins v Titans
Round 2 -
home Team
Dolphins
13th Position
away Team
Titans
17th Position
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
