Sport Confidential: Broncos close in on Kotoni Staggs deal, Coby Black’s embarrassing error

Broncos coach Michael Maguire is ramping up plans to lock down one of his star outside-backs on a new deal with an increased priced tag. That and more in Sport Confidential.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire is ramping up plans to ensure the former NSW Origin flyer Kotoni Staggs edges closer to becoming a Bronco for life.

It is understood the Broncos are in the advanced stages of a three or four-year deal for Staggs, who will remain at Red Hill until at least the end of 2028, and possibly 2029.

By inking a deal until 2029, the 26-year-old Staggs would be secured to the Broncos for the same length of time as Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam, giving Brisbane the roster stability to chase their first title since 2006.

Currently on $700,000 a season, Staggs’ value will rise to as high as $800,000 annually, meaning a four-year team will be worth around $3 million.

Staggs remains off-contract at season’s end, but Maguire says he is confident of keeping one of the code’s premier centre attacking weapons.

“Definitely,” Maguire said.

“That (Staggs’ contract) is a work in progress in the background, but I will let everything sort itself out and he wants to be here.

the Broncos are believed to be closing in on a deal for Kotoni Staggs. Picture: Adam Head

“He is really passionate about the Broncos, he has been and seen everything over the years and he has developed into the person he now is.

“It’s not just what he does in and around the team, but it’s in the community as well.

“I have a lot of people coming up to me and talking about how they met Kotoni and what he has done for people. That is important in what we are trying to build here as well.

“I have been pretty impressed with Kotoni’s leadership actually ... and how he has gone about building his game and his hunger and passion for the Broncos.

“That’s one thing that has really stood out.”

Staggs will wage a cracking threequarter shootout with former teammate, now Dolphins dynamo Herbie Farnworth, and Maguire believes his No.1 centre can play Origin again for the Blues.

“Well and truly,” Maguire said of Staggs’ NSW hopes.

“An opportunity can come very quickly in that space, that’s what I have learnt.

“He has to let the footy do the talking. Kotoni is working hard at his game and I know how hungry he is to be able to put himself in that (Origin) space.

“When they are like that, it’s good to coach players like that.”

BLACK’S EMBARRASSING ERROR

He is rated Brisbane’s next halfback superstar, but Queensland under-19s ace Coby Black was guilty of a stunning brain explosion in the Hostplus Cup last weekend.

Hailed as Adam Reynolds’ long-term successor, Black was left to lament a moment of madness playing for feeder club Souths Logan against North Devils at Marsden last Saturday night (see the video above).

With his Magpies side leading 18-12 in the 53rd minute, Black took the ultimate gamble, attempting an audacious cross-kick grubber for his winger 70 metres out from the Devils tryline.

The ball duly sat up perfectly ... for rival Devils wing debutant Kane Rushton, who charged onto the Steeden and raced away to level scores at 18-all as stunned Magpies teammates watched on.

The Devils rubbed salt into Black’s wounds by kicking on to seal a 30-22 victory in what will no doubt be a lesson in game management for the talented playmaker.

The 19-year-old is one of Queensland’s most promising young shot-callers and Broncos coach Michael Maguire will be looking to hand Black his NRL debut over the next two years.

Emerging young halfback Coby Black. Picture: Steve Pohlner

AU REVOIR? DCE’S FRENCH REVOLUTION

French Super League club Catalans Dragons could be the final stop for Manly champion Daly Cherry-Evans.

Sport Confidential understands Cherry-Evans is open to a move to France - not Bondi - in the wake of the Brookvale contract bombshell that has shaken up the NRL player market.

The 36-year-old was expected to finish his career at Manly but his decision to leave the Sea Eagles at season’s end is set to trigger a poaching frenzy.

The Roosters are considered the red-hot front-runners to secure Cherry-Evans for 2026-27, but the Queensland Origin skipper has revealed he is considering a move overseas.

That has opened the door for Catalans, who have become a destination club for Australian NRL stars looking to sample European culture in their twilight years before retirement.

Former NSW Origin stars Greg Bird and James Maloney relished the French lifestyle and Catalans’ 2025 squad currently boasts a number of Australians.

Could Daly Cherry-Evans finish his career with Catalans? Picture: Getty Images

Among the Aussie contingent are Nick Cotric, Reimis Smith, Tariq Sims, Tevita Pangai Jr and Luke Keary, who quit the Roosters at the end of last season.

It’s understood Cherry-Evans’ wife Vessa has links to Keary’s partner Amy, with the Manly skipper open to taking their three kids overseas for a European adventure.

However, Cherry-Evans’ former Queensland Origin teammate Corey Parker is adamant the Maroons maestro will play on in the NRL next season for the Roosters.

“I believe the deal is done. I believe Daly Cherry-Evans will go to the Roosters,” Parker said.

“If you look at the links, Daly’s manager also manages James Tedesco (Roosters captain).

“I’m extremely surprised he is leaving Manly but you don’t make that call if you haven’t got something else lined up.

“He would be a great signing for the Roosters playing alongside Sam Walker.”

Asked if he will be headed to the Super League with Catalans in 2026, Cherry-Evans said: “I’m not going to chat with other clubs yet. I’ll take my time.

“I’m also not going to engage with any clubs that I couldn’t see myself genuinely playing for so I won’t waste anyone’s time if I decide to play on.”

If Cherry-Evans returns to Queensland, there’s only one Sunshine State club in the race - the Dolphins.

Titans coach Des Hasler is backing his current halves, while the Cowboys and Broncos don’t have the salary-cap space to afford Cherry-Evans.

Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds is expected to retire at season’s end but Maguire is putting his faith in Ben Hunt, Ezra Mam and teenage halfback Black.

MEDIA’S CHOPPER THREAT TO BRONCOS

Queensland’s television media have become frustrated with a lack of access to the Broncos this year.

New coach Michael Maguire has implemented permanent closed captain’s run sessions for the first time in the club’s 37-year history.

Apart from the odd session before a big game, the Broncos always trained in front of media and fans at their Red Hill headquarters on match eve.

But things have changed in 2025.

The Broncos have only been holding one open training session each week, giving television cameras about 15 minutes to capture vision, and two player interviews, for an entire week’s worth of news bulletins.

Maguire has opted for Suncorp Stadium as his preferred captain’s run venue when available.

Sport Confidential has heard at least one television network is threatening to send up the helicopter to hover above Suncorp and film the Broncos training.

Meanwhile at Redcliffe, the Dolphins have pinched what was a Broncos tradition with the match eve barbecue for players, staff and media.

Former NRL prop Sam Tagataese has received glowing reports for his work on the tongs.

BATEMAN’S BABY WEEK

England star John Bateman had an eventful week in the lead-up to his first Broncos-Cowboys derby.

Bateman flew from Townsville to Brisbane only hours before kick-off at Suncorp Stadium last Friday.

That is because his partner Amy Reilly gave birth to the couple’s second child, Bobby Edward, the day before the game.

Amy went through a dramatic week as they hoped to welcome the baby before the game.

“She had a stretch and sweep on Monday to hopefully set her off but it didn’t happen,” Bateman said.

“We had to wait 48 hours and then ended up inducing her Wednesday so I could play the game on Friday.

“It didn’t set her off until 2.30am Thursday morning. She woke me up and said she was having contractions so we went straight to hospital.

“We had the bub at 9.51am on Thursday morning and stayed at hospital until 8pm that night then took bub home.

“He was waking her up every 20 minutes for feeds so I ended up going to the other bedroom then flew out at 8am on game day.

“I got about three hours’ sleep, had some food and played.”

Despite being exhausted, Bateman played the full 80 minutes in the back row for the Cowboys, making 37 tackles in humid conditions.

He is hoping to be better rested for Saturday’s clash with his old club Canberra in Townsville.

“It’s been hectic. I’m pretty tired but I think Amy is a lot more tired,” he said.

“The missus killed it. She did really well. It was a tough few days.

“Family is very important to me and the club has been there for me. I missed some training but the club let me do what I had to.

“I’m looking forward to playing Canberra. They have been going pretty well. They’re young and enthusiastic.”

PVL’S WARNING TO COACHES

ARL Commission boss Peter V’landys has put coaches and players on notice over the NRL’s crackdown on criticism of match officials.

As revealed by Sport Confidential, the NRL is taking a hardline stance on attacks on referees this season and vowed to enforce the rules after taking a more lenient stance in recent years.

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart, who has accumulated $160,000 in fines for bagging NRL referees, sailed close to the wind after last Sunday’s loss to Manly at Brookvale.

V’landys has had a gutful of attacks on referees and says the NRL won’t be toothless tigers this season if the criticism continues.

“We won’t cop referees’ integrity being questioned,” V’landys said.

“Our policy has always been there, this is nothing new, that’s why the fines of $10,000 are in place.

“The referees are integrity officials and people casting doubts on their integrity won’t be tolerated _ it’s as simple as that.

“No-one ever questions the integrity of coaches or players so why should referees be any different?

“The point I want to stress - it’s a policy and it’s going to be enforced.

“There will be no further warning, if you do it (attack referees) you will get fined.

“Last year we gave out a lot of warnings, but this year we will make sure no-one cast aspersions on match officials.

“They will make mistakes, they are human.

“We don’t highlight the coaches’ mistakes but we seem to want to target the referees.

“They are doing their best. It’s a bloody pressure-cooker job. It’s not easy. You could put 10 people in a room and we would have 50-50 debate on calls.”

Kobe Hetherington carts the ball up for the Broncos. Picture: NRL

KOBE’S MAROON PUSH

Brisbane hitman Kobe Hetherington has caught the eye of Queensland hierarchy with his early-season form for the Broncos.

Sport Confidential understands Hetherington has impressed Maroons selectors with his promising start to the 2025 premiership in a new role at Red Hill.

The son of Queensland Origin legend Jason Hetherington has been promoted to a starting role at lock and has been one of Brisbane’s most consistent players in the opening three rounds.

The Rockhampton product faces another litmus test when he takes on Dolphins No.13 and Queensland Origin forward Tom Gilbert in the Battle of Brisbane on Friday night.

Hetherington got a taste of representative football when he turned out for Australia’s Prime Minister’s XIII against Papua New Guinea last October and now he wants to take the next step in Maroon.

The battle for Maroons forwards spots will be fierce this season, with Gilbert and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui back in the Maroons mix after missing last year’s series due to ACL injuries.

Jason Hetherington played eight Origin matches from 1998-2000 and the nuggety hooker would relish the sight of his son in Maroon.

FIFITA EXPLAINS ‘CUFFS’

Titans forward David Fifita has explained the try celebration that turned heads last weekend.

Fifita crossed for his 50th NRL try in Gold Coast’s impressive 26-6 win against Newcastle at Cbus Super Stadium.

It was his first try in 12 games, the longest drought of his career following a disappointing end to the 2024 season.

After scoring, Fifita held his wrists together in what looked to be a “handcuffs” gesture that has been seen before in the NRL.

But Fifita said it was a tribute to his parents, who weren’t at the game.

“It was for my mum and dad – they’re both on my wrist (strapping tape),” he said.

“They weren’t at the game, but I love them so much.

“They support me through the bad and good. I love them so much.”

Fifita can expect a frosty reception on Friday night when he faces the Roosters in Sydney for the first time since backflipping on a contract with the Tri-colours last year.

Former Bulldog Tevita Pangai Junior does not wish to return to Australia to give evidence in the Jackson Topine case. Picture: NRL Photos

EX-BULLDOG BRUSHES LEGAL SPAT

Former Bulldogs and Broncos star Tevita Pangai Jr has withdrawn from Jackson Topine’s multimillion-dollar legal fight against his former Canterbury club.

Court documents revealed that six former Bulldogs players have been called upon by Topine’s legal team to give eyewitness accounts of the infamous wrestling session in 2023 that prompted Topine to sue Canterbury in the NSW Supreme Court.

The ex-Bulldogs summoned to give evidence are Pangai Jr, Raymond Faitala Mariner, Chris Patolo, Jayden Okunbor, Khaled Rajab, and Fa’amanu Brown.

It is understood all six were present at the session which prompted Topine to leave the Bulldogs and then launch a claim in the Supreme Court that he was subjected to assault and humiliation.

But Pangai Jr has opted against giving evidence. The former NSW Origin forward is currently living in France, playing for Catalans Dragons in the Super League, and has no intention of flying home to Australia for the case.

According to Topine’s version of events, he arrived late for a session and was handed a punishment that involved wrestling as many as 35 of his former teammates. Topine says he suffered physical and mental harm as a result.

Topine is not making any claims of wrongdoing against his ex-teammates.

Sydney Roosters youngster De La Salle Va'a.

DE LA SALLE’S HELL

This is the image of an NRL rising star who is lucky to be alive.

Monster Roosters prop De La Salle Va’a is expected to make a full recovery after contracting a golden staph infection which saw the teenager hospitalised twice in a week.

A giant of a man at 121kg, Va’a has suffered major weight loss after being admitted to hospital coughing up blood on the eve of the Roosters’ round 1 opener against the Broncos three weeks ago.

The Toowoomba bookend’s ordeal came just weeks after his older brother Xavier, also with the Roosters, first went to hospital following a cut on his arm which became infected.

While Xavier got the all clear, the news was more serious for De La Salle, who required help from a lung specialist and disease specialist to get to the bottom of a mystery illness.

Va’a’s mum is a doctor and demanded CT scans of his lungs to rule out the prospect of blood clotting.

Roosters coach Trent Robinson visited Va’a in hospital. The boom prop made his top-grade debut last season, but it could be months before Va’a has regained the bulk and fitness to play NRL.

Roosters chairman Nick Politis said the club is relieved that Va’a has escaped a potential brush with death.

“De La Salle is a beautiful young man from a wonderful family,” Politis said. “It could have been a lot worse and we’ll support De La Salle through this period.”

BRONCOS BOSS’ BIG DONATION

Broncos chairman Karl Morris has paid a hefty price to get prop Xavier Willison to cut off his infamous rat’s tail.

Morris agreed to donate $5000 to the Ronald McDonald House if a number of Broncos players cut their questionable hairstyles.

The big Kiwi forward took up the chairman on his offer and lopped it off before last Friday’s derby win against the Cowboys.

The clump of hair was in Brisbane’s dressing rooms for the post-match celebrations.

Morris sent Sport Confidential a screenshot of the donation on Saturday proving he had coughed up the cash.

CORY PAIX CAMP DENIES RIFT WITH BILLY WALTERS

Cory Paix’s camp has dismissed talk of a dummy-half feud at the Broncos following the axing of Billy Walters as Brisbane’s starting hooker.

Broncos coach Michael Maguire has made a number of key changes in the post-Kevin Walters era, including stripping ‘Kevvie’s’ son Billy of the coveted No. 9 jumper.

Instead, Maguire has handed the top job to the once out-of-favour Paix, who has fought back from Hostplus Cup oblivion to start at hooker in Friday night’s Battle of Brisbane against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium.

Maguire’s decision has raised concerns over the future of Walters. Just turned 31, Walters is off-contract at the end of 2026, making him a free agent from November 1 this year.

One of the club’s most likeable players, Walters has shown his team-first mentality by taking his demotion on the chin and playing a supporting role to Maguire’s new first-choice rake Paix.

It caps a dramatic fall from grace for Walters, who was Brisbane’s starting hooker in the 2023 grand final, but Paix’s management insists there is no bad blood between the rival rakes.

Cory Paix has made the most of his fresh opportunity under Michael Maguire. Picture: Getty Images

“There’s no animosity there,” said Paix’s agent Paul Hogan.

“’Paixy’ and Billy are great mates.

“They were at each other’s weddings, so there’s great respect between the guys.

“There’s no doubt the change of coach has helped Cory.

“Everyone has gone back to the starting line under ‘Madge’ (Maguire) and guys are being picked on their merits.

“The reason Anthony Seibold (former Broncos coach) moved Cory to hooker is because he thought he could be the next Damien Cook.

“If you look at his trial form and his first game against the Roosters, Paixy definitely has that speed around the rucks.”

Under Maguire, Walters is coming to terms with playing a different role. The reliable utility has played just 78 minutes in the opening three rounds at an average of 26 minutes per game.

Paix, meanwhile, has amassed 168 minutes ahead of the Dolphins derby at an average of 56 minutes per match.

Billy Walters says he welcomes the competition for the hooker role at the Broncos. Picture: Getty Images

The hooking role is the most hotly-contested position at the Broncos and futures are on the line.

Aside from Paix and Walters, young gun Blake Mozer is battling a shoulder injury and remains off-contract at season’s end, while Tyson Smoothy is headed for the exits, inking a three-year deal with English club Wakefield.

Marquee recruit Ben Hunt is another No. 9 option, but the Queensland Origin utility, currently playing five-eighth, is expected to remain in the halves if halfback Adam Reynolds retires at season’s end.

Walters told Sport Confidential last month he welcomed the competition from the rejuvenated Paix, who is off-contract, but has started talks on a new deal.

“The pressure is on for sure,” Walters said. “Even if Kev was still the coach, that No. 9 jumper isn’t mine to walk into.

“It was pretty tough to begin with what happened with Kev, but everyone has moved on now and I still love the club.

“I feel the competition for sure. There’s a number of good hookers here who should bring out my best footy and if it doesn’t, I will fall down the pecking order.”