Billy Slater caused a stir earlier this month when he named Selwyn Cobbo on the bench for Queensland’s opening match of the State of Origin series.
The coach was non-committal on the Brisbane star’s role, citing how he could be used through the middle or to plug in a gap in the backline in case of an injury.
Cobbo’s inclusion proved to be a masterstroke in hindsight after he was thrown into the fray when Reece Walsh was sidelined after copping a high shot from Joseph Suaalii.
However, despite a strong display for the Maroons, Cobbo has been left out of the side for Game II in Melbourne.
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Why was Selwyn Cobbo not selected for Queensland? Maroons star left out of State of Origin side by Billy Slater
"Selwyn’s just turned 22 and sometimes we forget these guys are still young men developing physically," Slater said after revealing his 20-man squad.
"They’re still developing their game and they’re still building that consistency in their game."
Cobbo endured a mixed night for the Broncos during their loss to South Sydney in Round 15.
He made a game-high 228 run metres from his 22 carries to frequently put his side on the front foot coming out of yardage.
Cobbo had more runs than every other player in the game, despite missing over 10 minutes of action after being forced off for a HIA in the first half.
Yet even though he was a great outlet for yardage through the middle, as he made more post-contact metres than everyone except Keaon Koloamatangi, Slater was left unconvinced with his display.
Cobbo had a troubled night with his hands after he made four errors during the clash. The flyer was often guilty of trying to force a pass only to put his side under pressure in defence with a turnover.
The centre was error-free in his game against Cronulla the previous week when backing up from Origin duty but was unsurprisingly limited in his work as he made just 87 run metres for the match.
Prior to that fixture, Cobbo was selected for Game I by Slater off the back of a patchy performance during Brisbane’s shock 36-34 loss to the Gold Coast.
In the defeat, he crossed for a late four-pointer, while also clocking just 69 run metres from nine carries as he made two errors.
Selwyn Cobbo injury updates: Will Brisbane Broncos centre be sidelined?
"Selwyn’s just not quite 100 per cent at the moment," Slater revealed after leaving Cobbo out of his side.
"He’s been playing with injections...collective with a few things he would like to work on in his game.
"I felt this was the best thing for him and for the team."
The Broncos are one of seven sides to have a bye this round before they return to action against the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday, June 29.
His exclusion from the Maroons side will mean Cobbo now has over a week to rest and recover until he could be called upon again by Kevin Walters.
"We thought it was best for Selwyn to have a rest," Slater added.
"Everyone is different. It’s not one size fits all and I just felt that this was the right thing for Selwyn - to have a break. He’ll be playing in a Maroons jersey again before we know it.
"I have a great relationship with Selwyn, and I had a lengthy and deep discussion with him yesterday and we’re on the same page."
Dane Gagai, Heilum Luki and Trent Loiero were added to QLD’s extended squad with Cobbo’s club teammate Ezra Mam potentially also paying the price for their side’s poor recent form after he was left out as well.
