The Brisbane Broncos are facing a significant salary cap dilemma as they strive to retain key players Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo, both of whom are off-contract at the end of the 2025 season. The club’s recent high-profile signings, including a two-year deal for Ben Hunt at $600,000 per season and a record four-year, $5 million contract for Reece Walsh, have intensified financial pressures.
Selwyn Cobbo, a versatile backline player and Queensland Origin representative, has yet to receive a new offer from the Broncos. This delay has sparked speculation about his future, with reports suggesting he could command up to $1 million per season if he tests the open market after November 1. Despite his preference to remain with the Broncos, the club’s current salary cap constraints may make it challenging to match potential offers from rival clubs.
Similarly, Kotoni Staggs, another pivotal player for the Broncos, is approaching the end of his contract without a renewal offer. The simultaneous need to secure both Staggs and Cobbo has placed the club in a precarious position, as retaining both talents at their market values appears increasingly unlikely. The Broncos’ management is reportedly confident in retaining both players, but the financial realities present a formidable challenge.
Teammate Jesse Arthars has expressed hope that both Staggs and Cobbo will remain with the team, emphasizing their importance to the club’s culture and on-field performance. However, he acknowledges the financial constraints the Broncos face in retaining both players amid interest from rival clubs.
The Broncos’ new coach, Michael Maguire, is tasked with navigating this complex situation. Balancing the retention of key players like Staggs and Cobbo while managing the club’s salary cap requires strategic decision-making. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the Broncos’ roster and performance in the upcoming seasons.
