Staggs may have secured a Kangaroos jersey. But he is yet to make his Test call

3 weeks ago 4

For an hour of the Brisbane Broncos’ jaw-dropping triumph in Canberra, it appeared as though Kotoni Staggs was going to leave the field as one of the few players from his side who could hold their head up high.

While Reece Walsh ultimately changed that, inspiring his side to a 29-28 golden point victory in a 94-minute qualifying final epic against the Raiders, his marquee centre teammate may well have secured his place for the Kangaroos.

That is, if Staggs makes himself eligible to don the Australian colours, which he did for three games in 2023.

Kotoni Staggs has enjoyed the finest season of his NRL career.

He confirmed to this masthead he was yet to settle on his Test ambitions for this year, given he also has ties to Tonga for whom he has made three appearances.

The 26-year-old’s connection with Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters could sway him towards a historic Ashes tour to England, with the former Broncos mentor already without Payne Haas following his defection to Samoa.

Haas could also be joined by Queensland Maroons duo Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.

However, Staggs revealed he would not make a definitive call until after the NRL campaign.

“To be honest, my main focus is on finishing a good season off here at the Broncos, and obviously that main goal is to win the grand final,” Staggs said.

“I think everything will take after that, but at the moment I don’t really have any thoughts on what I’m going to do, and whatever comes around it will be a tough decision.

“But I just love that my name is being tossed around with that Australian team, so I must be doing something right.”

Staggs has become Brisbane’s spiritual leader in 2025, a mantle he took again against the Raiders – scoring a try while running for 200 metres and an incredible 13 tackle busts.

His performance kept his side in the contest, and laid the foundation for Walsh to return from a stint in the sin bin and orchestrate a dramatic late comeback from 28-12 down.

The Wellington product will need to lift another gear again come the preliminary final, following revelations five-eighth Billy Walters had suffered damage to his ACL and Brendan Piakura would undergo scans on Tuesday for a facial injury – putting both men in doubt.

Haas was cleared of serious concern after he was seen limping throughout the Canberra triumph, while Xavier Willison can make his comeback after recovering from surgery on a fractured arm suffered in round 22.

Staggs’ career turnaround has been one of the more remarkable narratives of the NRL – going from the brink of Broncos’ exile four years ago after a string of off-field indiscretions to one of the most damaging centres and fearless leaders in the game.

His average 134 running metres a game and 24 line-breaks are career-best milestones, while he is just three tries short of levelling his leading season tally of 13 – which he achieved in 2023 having played five more games than he currently has.

While Staggs admitted he would be eager to one day captain his childhood club – a role currently filled by Adam Reynolds, with Pat Carrigan his usual replacement – he was comfortable in his current position.

“No one would ever turn captaining this team down, and I’d love to do it if I got the opportunity,” Staggs said, “but right now, I’m comfortable with what I’m doing playing that leadership role and helping out the backs.”

Kotoni Staggs in action for the Kangaroos.

As for his resurgent form: “Happy wife, happy life mate,” Staggs said with a sly grin, referencing his partner, Brittany Becht, who he credits for turning his life around after meeting in 2021.

“I just think from the previous years this is probably the year I’ve felt good about my whole body, and that’s been one of the things that has stopped me in the past.

“...I’m looking after my body and not drinking too much beer, and just trying to be professional away from footy.

“We can control everything here when we have all the coaches and staff, but I think it’s away from here and out of the sights of the coaches and dieticians is when you have to start looking after yourself.”

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