Three NRL rival clubs are reportedly chasing former Broncos star Selwyn Cobbo before he has even played a game for his new club the Dolphins.

The Courier Mail reported three NRL clubs have launched poaching bids for Cobbo, but Dolphins coach Kristian Woolf could hold the ace up his sleeve in keeping the Origin and Test star.

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Cobbo’s agent Tas Bartlett revealed that three NRL clubs have reached out over his star client, but his preference at this stage is to extend his stay at the Dolphins.

“I’ve already had calls from other clubs before he has played a single NRL game for the Dolphins,” Bartlett told The Courier Mail.

“But we’re putting contract talks on hold at the moment so he can focus on the season ahead.

“Unfortunately, under the NRL’s contract rules, this is the way it goes with having a one-year deal … you become a free agent before you even have a chance to play for your new club.

“I’ve had several clubs reach out and inquire about him but I’ve told them we’re in no rush.

“I just want Selwyn to enjoy his football and we’ll investigate contracts at a later date.

“The preference is to stay at the Dolphins. Sometimes it doesn’t always work out, but Selwyn wants to play well and give the Dolphins every chance to sign him to a new deal.”

However, Bartlett admits the chance to play centre or fullback could be a huge factor in Cobbo’s next contract call.

“Selwyn is loving it at the Dolphins, he has found a home with Kristian Woolf,” Bartlett said.

“He seems happy and the one thing Selwyn said to me about ‘Woolfy’ is … ‘He gets me’.

“Selwyn has aspirations to be a centre or fullback, so at the end of the day it could come down to a positional ambition.

“He is on the wing at the Dolphins at the moment and that’s OK, we will see what unfolds.

“Selwyn is hoping it works out at the Dolphins. His body shape is incredible, he has lost around 10kg and he looks like a happy player under Woolfy.

“Woolfy committed to what he said, he said he would get him fit and Selwyn is looking $1 million.

“He looks scary.

“Sometimes players just need simple communication and clarity around their energy, playing and training effort and Kristian is a very strong character who has great respect from the players.

“Selwyn enjoys his messaging and he is ready to rumble for Round 1.”

Selwyn Cobbo is a man in demand.Source: Getty Images

EELS VETERAN ADDRESSES FUTURE

One of ten Parramatta Eels players who are off-contract at the end of the season, veteran forward Junior Paulo has opened up on his future at the club.

Despite entering the final stages of his playing career, Paulo was able to take his game to new heights last season under coach Jason Ryles.

Leading the forward pack in both attack and defence from the middle of the field, the 32-year-old revealed that he intends to remain at the club beyond this current season.

“I’d definitely love to. That’s something between my manager and the club, so I’d love to stay,” he said on Tuesday afternoon.

He has made 263 appearances in the NRL, represented the NSW Blues on 11 occasions and made 20 international caps for Samoa.

The comments from Paulo come as coach Jason Ryles confirmed that the Eels were interested in Australian and NSW Blues front-rower Mitchell Barnett – he was recently granted a release from his contract at the end of 2026.

“Yeah, (he’s) certainly someone we would potentially look at,” Ryles said.

“He’s an Origin forward. I think that’s an area of our roster that we can certainly improve or strengthen is probably a better word.

“I think us, like many clubs, will obviously be looking in that space.”

Junior Paulo is one of ten players off-contract at the end of 2026.Source: Getty Images

COWBOYS IN EXTENSION TALKS WITH NO.1 CONTENDER

The Cowboys are reportedly in talks with versatile star Jaxon Purdue over a two-year contract extension with the young gun confident he can deliver at fullback for the club in the future.

The Daily Telegraph reported Purdue is eyeing the no.1 jersey after filling in for the injured Scott Drinkwater in Las Vegas, as the club looks to signing him to a new two year deal.

The 20-year-old is off-contract in 2026 and has been free to negotiate with rivals from November 1 last year with the Storm reportedly interested in his services.

Purdue has scored 16 tries in 33 games for the Cowboys since his debut in 2024, playing his best football at centre to date, but he has also played five-eighth, halfback and now fullback.

Purdue showed glimpses of his talent and running skills after taking over from Drinkwater in the 28-18 loss to the Knights in Round 1, when Drinkwater was getting a painkilling injection for a rib injury.

The youngster split the Knights open with his speed and footwork.

“I did like fullback,” Purdue said after the loss to the Knights.

“I just felt a bit more free and comfortable in a way, I guess.

“It was fun. I enjoyed getting my hands on the ball and having a bit of space. But I can do that at centre, too. I just have to get in the game a bit more.

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Scott Drinkwater is in talks over a two-year extension with the Cowboys.Source: Supplied

“I played Queensland under-19s at fullback but I don’t really have too much experience there.

“I guess it’s just roaming around the field and trying to be everywhere at once.

“You’ve got to be fit to be a fullback and I learnt that.

“I like being free with the football and that’s probably the best part of my game, my running threat, and at fullback I can unleash that a bit better.

“If he (Drinkwater) is no good, I’ll be happy to fill in at fullback. I’d be comfortable if Toddy (Payten, coach) selects me there and if ‘Drinky’ doesn’t pull up well.”

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Drinkwater is contracted until the end of the 2027 season, but is reportedly on the outer at the club and unlikely to be re-signed beyond his current deal.

However, Drinkwater is hopeful of playing through the pain of his rib injury in Round 2 against the Tigers.

“When it happened it was extremely painful,” he said. “I thought I might have been able to push through it but the longer it went on, the worse it got.

“It was on (Jacob) Saifiti around the post. I got twisted around him. It wasn’t impact or anything. I twisted awkwardly in the tackle and then I felt it pop.

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“I became a bit of a liability out there so I just said ‘get me off’ and I’d get a needle.

“I felt pretty invincible once the needle came on but I’m sure I’ll be sore.

“I’ll just be getting needled before games and probably halftime. It feels good once the needle’s in.

“It’s annoying it’s round 1 but that’s all right.”