Dolphins winger Selwyn Cobbo has rediscovered the scintillating form that saw him earn six State of Origin appearances, and according to teammate Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, a recall to the Queensland side would be thoroughly justified.
Tabuai-Fidow, the Maroons and Dolphins try-scoring sensation, made the remarks after another standout performance from Cobbo in the Dolphins' commanding 32-10 victory over South Sydney at Magic Round on Friday night.
Cobbo has now crossed for four tries in his last three matches, all of which resulted in wins for the Dolphins. The 23-year-old last donned the Maroons jersey in 2024, but with Melbourne winger Xavier Coates sidelined through injury and Queensland regular Valentine Holmes struggling for form at St George Illawarra, a window of opportunity has opened for Cobbo ahead of the Origin series opener in Sydney on May 27.
This season, Cobbo has posted career-high numbers, averaging 175 metres per game in attack and achieving an 88.9 per cent tackle efficiency. In 10 appearances for the Dolphins, he has also registered 11 line breaks and six tries.
Queensland selectors are scheduled to convene on Sunday to finalise the squad, and Tabuai-Fidow believes Cobbo's name should be on the list.
"I think he's ready to go back in that arena," Tabuai-Fidow said. "You've seen how he has played since the start of the year. His carries out of yardage and his run-metres show he's a special player and he's still got a long way to go too. I think with him going back into Origin camp, it will be a big confidence boost for him."
Tabuai-Fidow highlighted Cobbo's work ethic as a critical factor in his resurgence. "He's worked on getting fit in the pre-season ... and it shows out there," he added.
That fitness and determination were on full display when Cobbo executed a try-saving tackle on Rabbitohs winger Bayleigh Bentley-Hape, extinguishing any hope of a miraculous comeback at Suncorp Stadium.
"I'm doing extras away from the club and I guess that helps a lot in my games," Cobbo said when asked about his recent hot streak. "I am trying to stay consistent and I am enjoying myself. I've just got to go out there and do my job for the team, do the hard yards and bring the ball out of trouble and make sure I do no errors as well. It wasn't the best start for me but I am getting better and better as I go."
Cobbo stated that his immediate focus is on helping the Dolphins secure a top-eight finish, but he will be ready if Maroons coach Billy Slater comes calling. "I know Origin is the hardest game you ever play," Cobbo said. "It has been a while since I have played Origin but if that comes around I will look forward to it."
Meanwhile, Tabuai-Fidow expressed his preference to play fullback in the upcoming series, a role he filled for the first time at Origin level in last year's decider, where he impressed in a 24-12 victory. He is also comfortable in the centres, where he has scored nine of his 11 Origin tries. "I know what I can do as a fullback and I thought I went out there and did my job as well, so I was comfortable there," he said. "Obviously that's my preferred position but wherever Billy wants me to play, I'll be ready to go. Playing (nine) games at centre and knowing I can do a job there, it's probably my second preferred position to play."
