Corey Parker believes the Brisbane Broncos will struggle to keep both star centres Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs amid a salary cap crunch when they hit the open market on November 1.
The star duo are signed until the end of the 2025 season, but are free to negotiate with rival clubs for 2026 and beyond as of the November 1 deadline.
Staggs is on a deal worth a reported $800,000 a season, while Cobbo’s contract is around $700,000 a season.
The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
Schuster granted personal leave by Manly | 00:57
Cobbo took less than he could command elsewhere the last time his contract was up for renewal to stay loyal to the Broncos.
However, he has since shifted to the wing and also covers fullback, so his versatility and ability could see him command $1 million a season on his next deal.
The 21-year-old has scored 37 tries in 55 games for the Broncos and two tries in four Origins for Queensland to go with one Test for the Kangaroos.
Staggs has scored 45 tries in 106 NRL games for the Broncos since his debut in 2018 and has played one Origin for the Blues and six Tests for Tonga and the Kangaroos.
The Broncos are already paying big money to star Payne Haas, Pat Carrigan, and Ezra Mam, while superstar fullback Reece Walsh is expected to sign a multimillion-dollar extension very soon.
MORE NRL NEWS
DOLPHINS BRUTAL WAYNE MOMENT: Why they should ignore history, back rookie
‘NO MAGIC POTION’: How a ‘step backward’ ignited Storm flyer amid Bellamy truth
GONE IN 27 SECONDS: Demetriou walks out after question about Souths future
‘HE BRAINS IT’: Manu debate reignited amid Roosters’ No.1 ‘conundrum’
That will make it very difficult for them to keep both Staggs and Cobbo long-term on big pay packets.
Parker believes the Broncos will struggle to fit both amid a salary cap crunch after their success in recent seasons.
“They’ll find it hard to keep those two,” ,” Parker told SEN radio.
“I don’t think they’ll be able to keep both of them, but fingers crossed they can.
“You probably work out who’s going to be there for the longer period of time and who’s going to cost you what.
“It’s gonna be really difficult on who they wan to keep going forward.”
Manu or Teddy – Roosters number 1 debate | 01:36
Despite the fact that Cobbo is four years younger and has his whole career ahead of him, Parker believes it may be easier for the Broncos to retain Staggs.
“I reckon if they went to an open market… Cobbo would fetch more than Staggs at the minute because of his ability to go back to fullback like Joey Manu,” Parker said.
“Cobbo’s got a real good, slick sleight of hand… and can come up with an aerial leap and break tackles, and then you’ve got Staggs who’s just aggressive and I love everything about Kotoni Staggs.
“So, two very good centres who can create on either side of the park.”
Discussion about this post