After ‘hell of a year’, Bronco has a case of the Blues
Murray Wenzel |
Earning back and keeping a NSW jersey is Kotoni Staggs’ next mission as Brisbane’s premiership centre recalibrates after a career-best season.
Staggs was one of the Broncos’ best on the way to a drought-breaking NRL title and was named in the Dally M team of the year.
After committing to Australia ahead of Tonga he enjoyed a reunion with former Broncos coach Kevin Walters, playing in all three of the Kangaroos’ Test victories in England.
Enjoying his off-season with a cameo at Wednesday’s Queensland PGA Championships pro-am in Brisbane, Staggs was finally able to reflect on his brilliant campaign.
“I haven’t really sat down and looked back yet, but it’s been one hell of a year and that’s why you play footy,” the 27-year-old said.
“It’s been amazing. playing footy in Brisbane, where everybody loves the Broncos and us winning … you walk around and everyone’s congratulating you wherever you go.
“As a kid that’s what you want to do … make the NRL and win a premiership.”
There is one itch still to scratch though.
“Every year I set goals to achieve and that’s one … I want to have that Blues jersey and have it for a while,” he said.
Staggs played his lone Origin in the 2022 season opener, a debut cut short by a shoulder injury that he played through but eventually prompted off-season surgery.
Aiding his cause next year will be the absence of Zac Lomax, who was entrenched in the Blues’ backline but has been released from his NRL contract to pursue other opportunities.
“I’ve just got to keep playing good footy and time will tell, but that’ll be one thing on my mind, to try to get that Blues jersey,” Staggs said.
AAP
