Why Maroons legend believes Cobbo's new role is scary for the Blues

Queensland Maroons legend Matty Bowen has given an insight into why Brisbane Broncos young gun Selwyn Cobbo coming off the bench is a scary proposition in the series opener next week.

North Queensland Cowboys legend Bowen made 10 appearances for the Maroons, with eight being from the bench, after making his debut in 2003, scoring four tries, including his famous game-winning intercept try from Game I in 2005.

Following Queensland coach Billy Slater’s controversial decision to name Cobbo on the bench instead of another forward, Bowen said he believed the Cherbourg product would still have a massive role to play.

“Cobbo’s obviously playing wing for a couple of years and centre for his club team now, he’s in a very important position… If someone goes down… I think Selwyn can fill that role,” he said on SENQ Mornings.

“He’s big enough to play backrow, he’s big enough to play in the middle.

“Selwyn can play anywhere next week, I think Billy will have him ready for that. If an outside back goes out, then he’ll slot there easily but he can easily fit in that ruck because he’s a big body.”

But where Bowen thought Cobbo could have the most damaging impact was running the ball later in the game when the forwards from New South Wales are fatigued.

“Imagine him coming on the last 10 to 15 minutes, playing backrow, getting the ball early and now he’s fresh and he’s big enough,” Bowen added.

“Moving from winger to centre, you have to make those defensive decisions and no doubt moving in extra one or two (positions) in, he’ll still make those decision that are vital and crucial.

“But him coming off the bench and to do that role and run as hard as he can I’m sure he’ll do a great job.”

Cobbo will play his fifth game in a Maroons jersey when Queensland take on New South Wales on Origin I at Accor Stadium on June 5.