Selwyn Cobbo was once asked in a school classroom what was his ambition in life and the only answer that came to the adolescent boy's mind was this visual of repping hard one day for the Brisbane Broncos.

The school teacher was perhaps looking for a holistic response around the Aboriginal community that is Cherbourg.

But the 21-year-old has always lived for rugby league and without the game, he would not be able to bring joy and inspiration back to his beloved hometown.

"The whole of Cherbourg is behind me every step of the way," Cobbo told reporters on Wednesday.

"They support me in my decisions, and without them, I don't know where I would be – I'm very proud of them.

"Being home reminds me that dreams do come true, and, I guess, I've achieved mine.

"Anyone can get there."

Ongoing success in just his third season and what counts most – wins in the finals – brings Cobbo closer to home.

That goes two ways for the star Broncos winger.

This year's NRL pacesetter has permitted the Wakka Wakka man to head on the six-hour round trip more frequently following the club's standout season.

After Brisbane earned the week off from its 26-0 qualifying semi-final victory against Melbourne last Friday night, Cobbo has much to thank Cherbourg's 1200 residents for yet another break.

It's not just about reveling in all the fandom either.

"Going back to Cherbourg, I also get to switch off from footy and just kick back with the family," Cobbo said.

"It's my reset that helps me come back and remain focused."

That revitalisation has delivered Cobbo his most sublime season to date.

A season-high 20 tries only marks a mild improvement on his 19 scores a year before, but the 150 running metres a game and the 102 tackle bursts overall in 2023 now has coach Kevin Waters trusting the 190cm bolter every time he gets his hands on the ball.

Most of that distance in hard carries is from carting the ball back upfield and doing so early in the tackle count a long way from the glory end of the ground.

"My preparation, learning from last year, and organisation has helped me to continue to progress my career," Cobbo said.

"This is a first finals for me and I'm proud of the boys work all year, and how far we have come – it puts a smile on my face.

"I guess just finishing the play and scoring is coming a bit more naturally to me as a winger."

The discipline has changed from the hard work to become more professional after he was previously chastised for being late for training and too casual about his play.

"I guess my preparation left a lot last year (to be desired)," Cobbo said.

"Just being more organised makes me a better footy player for sure."

Reuniting with Reece Walsh after his two-year stint with the Warriors has also seemed to bring out Cobbo's best.

The outside backs pair have exhilarated Broncos fans and made watching the crowd pleasers of the past fun again after numerous lean years by the club's high standards.

It's been like an era of Renouf and Sailor combining again.

The engaging friendship on the park between the Indigenous men – Walsh also having his Maori bloodline along with his Australian mob family – has not mystically happened after just one preseason together.

"He's being really good for me," Cobbo said.

"I guess growing up, doing all the academies and all that (together), we have a little connection, where sometimes I don't have to talk, and he just puts that ball in front of me.

"He is an amazing boy, he's gifted, he's a natural footy player, and to play outside of him is just amazing."