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Meninga: Cobbo is not handling fame, this is my advice
Mal Meninga • June 26th, 2025 3:05 pm
We haven’t even started talking to people at the Bears but this is going to be the situation all the time and we will become part of the chatter.
Player movement and recruiting, we will be part of that group, but I haven’t spoken to Selwyn Cobbo, we’re not even in a position to talk to him.
We aren’t really established yet. We’re waiting for a board to be selected and announced then hopefully we will have an opportunity to start building the roster.
From a player point of view though, there’s a lot of upside to him and he’s only 23.
He’s a great athlete and great player. I just think there’s a few issues with the off field.
I have found over the years that loss of form or you’re not playing well doesn’t come from loss of talent if comes from desire and issues off field.
That’s where I think his career is at the moment. He has a few things to solve.
FIXING SELWYN
(Billy Walters) told Selwyn he needs to fall in love with the game again and that’s an important message.
He’s not handling the fame all that well I would suggest. He’s got an issue, he’s not in love with he sport and he has to find that passion again to do what he does really well and that is play sport.
I think it’s important when players are struggling in life that people that follow the game are aware of that. They play an important part in your welfare too and your mental health. It’s an important message to get out there. When players are struggling, we are all a part of that.
Support him in the inner sanctum or we leave him alone if we’re not in it.
You have to find the reason why you do anything in life. If Selwyn can find the spark again and the love of the game by going back to family or being in the community, then that’s great.
We have to understand the nuances with players; they are unique. What do they need? We don’t want regrets. We don’t want Cobbo falling out of love and then 12 years down the track saying he could have been something.
You don’t want “could haves” or “if onlys”. Be present.
For Selwyn or anyone going through hardships, it’s a good learning curve for them to know how the handle the ups and downs of sport and life. Sometimes to be left alone and find your own way.
ON SOCIAL MEDIA
It becomes an addiction (social media/phone) reading about yourself, you love the adulation that comes with being high profile. Like you mentioned, it’s difficult to move away from that.
Some high profile players in this competition – like Latrell. He just stopped it.
All of a sudden you don’t hear the negativity and on platforms where its anonymous. It is damaging to young people and to anyone really that loves that scene.
I don’t do it because there would be a lot of detractors to what I’m doing so I don’t fall into that trap. I’m confident enough in my own ability. But you want people to like you don’t you.
