‘Point to prove’: Cobbo clue revealed as breakout star kept from Bears’ grasp

The Dolphins have kept breakout forward Connelly Lemuelu out of the Perth Bears’ clutches, securing the backrower on a contract extension to the end of 2027.

Lemuelu had been a free agent since November 1, opening him up to a potential raid from the NRL’s newest outfit, but will instead vie for a place on the edge with Kulikefu Finefuieaki and the returning Tom Gilbert.

Max Plath, who joined Gilbert (ruptured pectoral) in the casualty ward for much of last season with an ACL injury, could join the second-row battle following the addition of Super League lock Morgan Knowles.

Lemuelu scored nine tries from 20 games in 2025, while averaging 93 running metres an outing. He could still be in the sights of the Papua New Guinea Chiefs from November as the ambitious venture prepare for their 2028 debut, but insisted he never entertained the option of moving to the Bears under coach Mal Meninga.

“I just feel like it’s something that works for both parties,” Lemuelu said, when asked why only a one-year deal.

“At this stage of my career, I came off the bench last year and am pushing for that starting spot next year. I’ve made it a goal of mine to be an elite backrower, and hopefully, I can use this year to do that and become a starter.

“Then we’ll go from there and hopefully extend my time a bit longer. It’s my preference to stay at this club, I’ve been here since the start and I want to stay here for a long time.”

Lemuelu’s new deal offsets the loss of Oryn Keeley to the Melbourne Storm.

His extension – taking place during his first full preseason with the Dolphins after being hampered by off-season surgeries and a World Cup appearance for Samoa – comes as recruit Selwyn Cobbo, signed until the end of 2026, was spotted training at right centre.

He appeared free of the hamstring issues which plagued the back end of his time at the Brisbane Broncos.

It appears more than likely Cobbo will begin his Dolphins tenure on the wing to cover the loss of Jack Bostock to a ruptured ACL – with Jake Averillo recovering from a foot injury and Herbie Farnworth still in his off season after playing for England in the Ashes.

But the sight of him training in the centres spoke to the versatility he will bring, particularly as he weighs up his future beyond next year as another potential Bears marquee man. There have been some reports suggesting Averillo, also a free agent, could be on the move, with right centre where he largely featured in 2025.

Wherever Cobbo lines up, Lemuelu sensed his new teammate would be in a mood to impress, after his injury cost him the chance to push for a place in the Broncos’ triumphant grand final side.

“I think he’s got a bit of a point to prove this year,” Lemuelu said.