NRL 2021: Kotoni Staggs addresses future with Brisbane Broncos

Kotoni Staggs’ pledge to remain at the Brisbane Broncos could cause a massive open market void for clubs chasing centres.

Strike centre Kotoni Staggs’ has declared he wants to remain at the Broncos beyond this year, shifting recruitment options to a host of other off-contract prospects, led by Brisbane teammate Xavier Coates.

Staggs has become the target of at least three rival NRL clubs – the Titans, Eels and Bulldogs – who are prepared to pay more than $800,000 when the gun centre comes off contract at season’s end.

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The 22-year-old has become one of the NRL’s best attacking centres, scoring 10 tries in 14 games during the Broncos wooden spoon 2020 season.

He was earmarked to make his Origin debut for the Blues last year but was ruled out after suffering a knee injury in Brisbane’s final game of the season.

Staggs said his foreseeable future was returning from the injury by Round 14, while his long-term future would ideally see an extension with the Broncos - a move which would be a huge blow for rival clubs circling the star centre.

Kotoni Staggs has pledged his allegiance to the Broncos. Picture: Peter Wallis

“I love the club,” Staggs said while promoting the 2021 Broncos Deadly Choices preventive health campaign.

“Growing up as a young kid, it’s where I wanted to be.

“It was a dream to play for the Broncos and Darren Lockyer was my idol.

“I don’t want to be anywhere else bar here and it would be good to just stay here.

BELOW: THE OFF-CONTRACT CENTRE OPTIONS FOR 2022

“I want to play good footy when I get back from my injury and see what happens from there.”

If Staggs does choose to re-sign with Brisbane, and Stephen Crichton extends his contract at Penrith, it would see the two hottest free agent centre options no longer on the open market.

Instead, attention would shift to the likes of Coates, Penrith’s Brent Naden and Maroons flyer Dane Gagai as centre options begin to dry up for next season.

Broncos players Kotoni Staggs and Patrick Carrigan with the new Deadly Choices jersey. Picture: Peter Wallis

The departure of Andrew McCullough from Red Hill on Monday has freed up valuable funds for the Broncos to retain the likes of rising stars Staggs and Coates, who both come off contract at season’s end.

It is understood the Broncos have already tabled an upgraded deal for Coates to stay at Red Hill after he was targeted by the likes of the Cowboys, Titans and Storm earlier this year.

The 19-year-old is set to become a crucial cog in Kevin Walters’ plans for the Broncos 2021 campaign, with the young speedster expected to grab the right wing spot for the upcoming season.

BEST OFF-CONTRACT CENTRE OPTIONS FOR 2022
Broncos
Xavier Coates
Tesi Niu
Bulldogs
Will Hopoate
Raiders
Harley Smith-Shields

Sea Eagles

Reuben Garrick
Dylan Walker
Storm
Brenko Lee
Warriors
Peta Hiku
Cowboys
Justin O‘Neill
Eels
Haze Dunster
Panthers
Stephen Crichton (set to re-sign with Penrith)
Tyrone May
Brent Naden
Dragons
Brayden Wiliame
Rabbitohs
Dane Gagai
Roosters
Brett Morris
Josh Morris
Billy Smith
Tigers
James Roberts (CO)