EXCLUSIVE: Sam Thaiday backs Selwyn Cobbo to be recalled for Maroons despite 'rubbish' rumour

Sam Thaiday has thrown his support behind Selwyn Cobbo to earn a State of Origin recall, despite lingering claims, repeatedly rejected by Billy Slater, that he may not see eye-to-eye with his Maroons coach.

It has been 12 months since Cobbo last donned the representative jersey, with the Dolphins star losing his spot to Robert Toia in the Maroons squad last season.

The surprise call forced Slater to respond to a report by Nine's Danny Weidler at the end of the 2024 series that there was a rift between he and Cobbo. Slater bluntly denied any truth to the report but Weidler did not back away from the story.

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In that 2024 series, Cobbo went from starting the first game on the bench to being omitted for the second game. He returned for the series decider in the starting line-up.

A week after the 2025 series opener, Cobbo was dropped by the Broncos again controversially, with coach Michael Maguire saying only that he needed to work on some things.

Cobbo did not return to the starting line-up for the eventual premiership winners until August and later announced he had inked a deal to join the Dolphins in 2026.

That move to the Dolphins has placed him back on the radar of Queensland selectors. Nine's Adam Jackson does not believe will be worried about past reports.

"There is a lot of talk that Selwyn and Billy don't see eye to eye, that's rubbish," Jackson said on Wide World of Sports' QLDER.

"I've spoken to both of them about it, there is no drama between them.

"I remember speaking to Selwyn about it and he said that his phone blew up about it one day with messages from all his relatives. He was just thinking, 'what's going on'.

"There is no drama between Billy and Selwyn. I've spoken to both about it.

"And I have Selwyn Cobbo on one wing for the Maroons (in game one)."

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Thaiday also picked Cobbo on the wing in his predicted Maroons starting 13 and also named Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki and Briton Nikora to be included.

A left-field name Thaiday also threw into the mix for the Maroons was Cooper Bai.

The 19-year-old only made his debut for the Gold Coast Titans in the final round of last season and has maintained a spot in the game day squad for the club this year.

Bai has scored two tries in nine appearances for the Titans.

"I think that Cooper Bai has been absolutely outstanding," Thaiday said when asked who his potential candidates for a spot on the bench could be.

"I've seen him play in the Queensland 19s which was not that long ago, but he can handle himself. I also think he will be handle this big stage if he gets his chance."

If Bai does not find himself on the bench in game one, Thaiday feels the No.20 jersey would be a good starting point for the young star to learn.

Thaiday was unsure about the optimal make-up of the Maroons' bench.

"I'm really struggling trying to nail this bench," Thaiday added, smiling.

The first game of the 2026 State of Origin series will kick off in Sydney on May 27.