Gun Broncos winger Selwyn Cobbo has pulled out of his side’s clash against the Eels on Thursday night as he battles fatigue.
At a press conference on Wednesday, coach Kevin Walters confirmed Cobbo would not play despite being named in the team on Tuesday.
“Selwyn is a bit fatigued,” Walters said.
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“It shows a lot of honesty from Selwyn – it’s a big call and the call had to be made.”
The loss of the young star is massive blow for the side, who were blown off Suncorp Stadium last week 60-12 by the Storm, and are no guarantee to make the top-eight.
Walters said the 20-year-old had spoken to him earlier in the week about how he was feeling, and on Wednesday trained with the Broncos’ reserve grade squad.
Photos of Cobbo training away from the first grade team sent social media into a spin, with watching journalists stunned to see the Origin star training with the reserves.
Walters confirmed Jordan Pereira would step in for the Broncos’ crucial clash with the Eels.
“We thought he might progress quicker than he has, but he is not right to go so we will play Jordan Pereira,” Walters said.
“He has done a good job for us when he has come into the side so he is itching to get out.”
Walters said the decision to withdraw was all on Cobbo.
“There is nothing to do with discipline. Selwyn is just a bit tired. He is a young fella, he’s had a big season with Origin and we just feel he needs a break,” the coach said.
“He should be all right for the Dragons next week, but this week we will give him a spell and get him freshened up.”
The Broncos currently sit eighth on the ladder, locked on points with the Rabbitohs and Roosters, with the Raiders just a game behind.
The Broncos’ opposition this weekend, the Eels are just a game ahead in fifth and face the Storm next weekend.
Despite low expectations at the start of the year, Broncos legend and current director Darren Lockyer conceded missing the finals now would be a disaster for the squad.
The Rabbitohs take on the Cowboys this weekend, while the Roosters tackle the Storm. The sides then take on each other in round 25, potentially to decide a home elimination final in week one.
Beating the Eels on Thursday night would all but cement a finals spot for the Broncos, before a final round clash with the Dragons.
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