BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: A Broncos shirt is seen with the NRL logo covered during the round 22 NRL match between Brisbane Broncos and Sydney Roosters at The Gabba on July 27, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Kevin Walters has acknowledged that Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs may need to accept reduced salaries to stay at the Brisbane Broncos, as Reece Walsh is set to sign the largest deal in club history. Cobbo and Staggs will become free agents on November 1, while Walsh is expected to finalize a reported $6 million contract.
Both Cobbo and Staggs are pivotal to the Broncos’ plans to contend regularly for NRL titles, but they might be compelled to accept lower offers than they could receive elsewhere. Walters stated on Wednesday that he is determined to prevent either player from leaving for another team, but he is also aware of the financial realities.
“We expect to keep both,” Walters commented. “We need to find a way to make it work. They are both quality players who have come through the Broncos’ system. They will both command substantial salaries, but we need to find a compromise where they stay here, play in a strong team and a great club, and perhaps accept slightly less money, but remain here and be successful.”
Walters, a five-time premiership winner with the Broncos as a player during the club’s dominant era in the 1990s, emphasized that players taking pay cuts was central to their success. He believes Cobbo and Staggs may be willing to do the same.
“I believe so, if we create the right environment for them. Kotoni is a true Bronco and so is Selwyn,” Walters added. “Our goal is to keep both. That’s my aim as coach. It’s going to be challenging, but rugby league is tough. We have to find a solution.”
The impending extension of Walsh’s contract complicates matters for the Broncos, leaving little room to offer significant contracts to other players. Recent extensions for Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan, and Ezra Mam have also tied up substantial funds. With Walsh reportedly earning $6 million, there’s limited money left for others.
Discussing the situation last month, Walsh expressed confidence in re-signing, saying, “I’m definitely staying. The Broncos are a huge part of why I’m here (in Origin), and I love the club. I want to be here long-term.” However, the significant contract for Walsh may affect the negotiations with Cobbo and Staggs.
“A lesser club, unlike the Broncos, might offer seven figures to [Cobbo] and say, ‘We want you to be our No.1 (fullback),'” commented Broncos great Corey Parker last month. “Playing fullback has put him in the shop window… I don’t see how they could keep those players (Cobbo and Staggs) for the money that someone like Cobbo would be offered on the open market.”
