'These are the games that I love': Cobbo ready to represent

When he runs out onto the field of Suncorp Stadium, Cobbo will be honoured to share his culture with the wider world – but unlike his team-mate Hamiso Tabuia-Fidow, he is yet to figure out how to incorporate his totem into his post-try celebrations.

“I'm a proud Wakka Wakka man, I was born and raised in Cherbourg,” Cobbo said.

“I was there since I was 16 and throughout that little period, those 16 years, I had fun and I did get to know my culture.

“I did some dances growing up with my uncles and I used to do some around NAIDOC and go to different schools and out in the community and I learnt a lot.

“I don't know much about how to speak it though, but I know how to dance in my culture.

“That's something that I'll always be proud of, being able to know my dances. I know how to dance and no-one can take that away from me.

“My totem's a carpet snake … (but) I don't really know how you would do that …

“I don't know what you can do with a carpet snake, but I just do a shake-a-leg and do a little pose at the end there, so hopefully if I score this week, I'm able to pull that out.”

Growing up, Cobbo made history becoming the first Indigenous school captain at the nearby Murgon State High School, with the kids back at his home community high on his mind, especially during rounds like this.

Cobbo said he understood that he served a role model for many young aspiring players and offered some advice to those going through their challenges, having overcome his own setbacks during the past year.

Hampered by injury and dropped for his form, it was a tough 2025 season for Cobbo, who sat on the sidelines as the Broncos rallied through a remarkable finals series, eventually taking out the premiership.

That experience is seen as a lesson by Cobbo and has helped drive him to become one of the in-form wingers in the NRL this season, even earning back his spot in Queensland’s Origin team.

“Last year wasn't the best year for me, but I definitely had fun there at the Broncos and I am super grateful for everyone there that helped me and to get where I'm at today,” Cobbo said.

“I was watching it from the sideline in that GF and I'm very super proud of the boys, they got the win for the club … but for me personally, not being able to play in that … I was wishing I was playing in that.

“That hurt me deep inside.

“Just lit a bit of a fire and I am hoping to get back there this year, so I worked so hard all off season … to get back to that finals feeling.

“I'm very grateful that all that stuff happened because I wouldn't be here without it.

“I learnt a lot last year and just knowing what not to do ... and knowing that setbacks do make you come back stronger and (you need to) have that resilience as well.

“(I hope my experiences) teaches the kids back home that if you mess up, it's not the end of the world, you still have a second chance.

“But it's up to you if you're willing to work for it.

“It's already yours, you just have to go after it and get it.

“I remember when I was first coming through, I had goals set at the start of the year and just wanted to play good footy, but as years went by, I guess I sort of took advantage of it and just went with the flow …

“I really needed a change, a different environment ... and I went back to my old ways and I started doing my goals and all that stuff and trying to get back to where I should be.

“It's been a hell of a year so far and I'm enjoying it.”

For Indigenous Round this year, the Dolphins will wear a jersey that brings the Dolphin Tail to the forefront in the artwork. Cobbo will also be wearing boots specially painted for him by his sister.