Dolphins star extends contract, cites Kristian Woolf as key reason
Selwyn Cobbo says his relationship with coach Kristian Woolf and a mentality refresh were key reasons behind his decision to extend his tenure at the Dolphins, providing meaningful support for the coach ahead of what looms as a career-defining month.
Cobbo, who has just six games remaining at Redcliffe after leaving the Brisbane Broncos, confirmed he will wear the red jersey until at least the end of 2027.
This rules out the Perth Bears’ impending poaching raid on Mal Meninga, while keeping the door open for the incoming Papua New Guinea Chiefs to make a play for the six-time State of Origin representative.
Asked if he would be tempted by a move to Chiefs on tax-free wages, Cobbo said: “I’m not sure, we’ll have to wait and see; my management will do all the talking.”
Cobbo claimed he was unaware of whether any further negotiations were taking place with the Bears.
While Dolphins CEO Terry Reader is confident this is just the beginning of Cobbo’s time in the red jersey, Terry Reader suggested his overall happiness will inform long-term decisions.
The 23-year-old, who missed last year’s finals series with the Broncos, suffered a hamstring injury and was unable to regain his place, said his new environment was crucial in reviving his career; In 2026, he averaged 174 rushing meters and 3.5 steals per game.
“All my family and friends at home [in Cherbourg]”I called them yesterday and they were pretty happy,” Cobbo said. “They’ll continue to support me wherever I go… [but] I love this place.
“Last year wasn’t the best year for me but I learned a lot. I enjoyed my time at the Broncs and I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me along the way. [I’m] I’m very proud of them.
“If I’m comfortable and happy, my feet are fine.”
Although the Dolphins have one of the game’s deadliest offenses, they have yet to prove themselves a top-notch force.
Three seasons of finals madness have led to their current situation in 2026, with two wins and four losses; most recently their heartbreaking 23-22 defeat against Penrith Panthers in Darwin.
Shane Flanagan’s exit as Dragons coach after 11 consecutive defeats and Anthony Seibold’s Manly losing three games in the season speaks volumes about the results-oriented nature of the industry.
Another season outside the top eight will increase the strain on Dolphins coach Woolf, who faces Melbourne, Canterbury and South Sydney after their clash with the Warriors in New Zealand on Saturday.
However, Cobbo spoke glowingly of his relationship with Woolf.
“He helps me off the field, makes sure my head is in tune with my mental space and tells me to just go out there and play football, relax and support myself in what I do,” he said.
With Cobbo saying he needs to fine-tune some areas of his game before considering a State of Origin recall for Queensland – he ranks third in the error-handling competition – the Dolphins’ two rising stars have begun a showdown for their Maroons debuts.
Max Plath and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki have arguably been the team’s leading players this year, with the latter expected to take one of Queensland’s back-row places in the series opener on May 27.
Only Jackson Ford, the Warriors’ enforcer who struck midway through the 80th minute, surpasses Finefeuiaki in post-contact measurements (485).
Plath, meanwhile, has the chance to do what his four-time Broncos premiership champion father could not and win the Origin cap with his versatility allowing him to cover Lock, Backrow, Five-Eight and Hooker.
Dolphins teammate Felise Kaufusi, who wore Queensland colors 17 times, believed it was time for Plath, who averaged 42 tackles per game this season, to parachute onto the field.
“You love playing with players like that because you know what you’re going to get,” Kaufusi said. “He’s a tough dude, willing to go out there and do the hard work.
“I think Origin is all about the little moments and the work that happens between tries when no one is looking. I’ve seen that over the last three years and I think it fits the Origin arena.”
Start your day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
