Brisbane Broncos fullback Tristan Sailor is putting all his faith in Selwyn Cobbo enjoying a seamless transition from the wing to centre in 2024.
The departure of Herbie Farnworth at the end of last season opened up a spot in the centres and with little to no room for a major signing, coach Kevvie Walters looked at his current roster for an answer.
After another stellar year on the wing, highlighted by a second-straight call-up to the Queensland Maroons, Cobbo began to firm into the favourite to take over the position.
The 21-year-old’s imposing frame made him an obvious candidate and he was quick to jump at the opportunity to become more involved in the Broncos’ attack.
Although Cobbo is looking to fill a large hole in the centres, Sailor revealed how impressive he has looked during preseason and why he thinks the Maroons star will give opposing defenders “nightmares”.
“I think he’s phenomenal,” Sailor told SENQ Breakfast.
“He’s honestly just so talented, trying to defend him one-on-one, he gi
“He’s just so unbelievable with what he can do, defensively as well he’s instinctual and reads the ball so well.
“We sort of have the two teams here and attacking against him, it’s not easy, I’ll tell you that.”
With Cobbo moving to the centres, a starting spot on the wing opened up and Sailor’s name was immediately thrown into contention.
Although veteran Corey Oates has firmed as a favourite for that spot, Sailor could look to follow in the footsteps of his famous father, who became one of the game’s best wingers throughout the 2000s.
“Kev has spoken to me about how much I do mean to the squad,” Sailor added.
“We have tossed up the idea of (playing) the 14 spot if it comes about, we’ve got Tyson Smoothy there who’s unbelievable at the moment.
“If the opportunity does come, that is something we have spoken about.
“It’s so hard at the moment with the amazing spine we have, it’s pretty chock-a-block full, we’ve spoken about finding my way into the 17 somehow but it’s just a matter of when or where I guess.”
Cobbo will get his first taste of NRL action in the centres this Sunday when the Broncos face the Cowboys, whilst Sailor has been named on the extended bench.