Best foot forward as Staggs looks to add to sole Origin

In-form centre Kotoni Staggs has continued to stake his claim for a State of Origin recall, playing a starring role as an understrength Broncos handed the Bulldogs their second-straight loss.

While not amongst the tryscorers in the 32-12 victory, Staggs was a key figure in attack making 117 run metres with four tackle breaks and dominant presence in in defence.

Staggs last featured in Origin in his 2022 Game One debut for the Blues, playing just the one match which was cut short due to a shoulder injury.

Part of the touring Kangaroos side in England last year, Staggs trained with New South Wales in 2025, but has so far been unable to force his way back into the side blessed with an abundance of talent in the position.

“I will let my footy do the talking, but I would love to be back there,” Staggs said.

“If it comes, it comes.

“To be honest, I am focused on playing my best footy at this club and that will tell the story after.

“If I keep playing consistent footy, hopefully you don't what can happen from there.  

“The way I play in clubland is the way I would play in a Blues jersey.

“If I was to get the call up again, and put that Blues jersey on, I will do everything I could to win a series with them and also keep my spot.”

Broncos coach Michael Maguire, who coached New South Wales to a series win in 2024, backed calls for Staggs to return to the Blues set up this year.

“If I was in that position, I'd be picking him,” Maguire said.

“So that says a bit about what I feel.

“But I get to see him do that week-in, week-out.

“How he's training, how he's grown as a player, as a leader; he's excellent.

“He's just got to keep working away at his game and when the time's right, I think he'll get selected.”

The former Tonga representative’s current good form comes against the odds however, with Staggs battling with the pain of a Plantar fascia injury, which had him in some doubt to face the Bulldogs.

“It's pretty sore, I'm bloody hobbling, but it's alright,” Staggs said.

“They say it is better to snap it than have it still worrying you, so we will go (in the morning) and see how it is and keep going on.

“I didn't think I would play tonight, but this game meant more to me than myself.