Kotoni Staggs links Kangaroos allegiance directly to future of coach Kevin Walters
Kotoni Staggs has declared he will play for Australia, rather than Tonga, at next year's World Cup as long as one thing is in place.
Brisbane Broncos star Kotoni Staggs will commit to playing for Australia at next year’s World Cup – if Kevin Walters remains Kangaroos coach.
Staggs was part of the Walters-coached Kangaroos team that beat England 3-0 in the recent Ashes series.
However, the bustling centre is also eligible to represent Tonga and must decide which nation he will represent at the World Cup, which Australia is co-hosting in October-November next year.
That’s set to be an easy decision for 27-year-old Staggs if his former Broncos coach Walters retains the Kangaroos coaching role.
“Playing back with Kev was good,” Staggs said in reflecting on Australia’s series win in the UK.
“We’ve got a good relationship. I love being alongside him and being coached by him, he’s taught me a lot.
“If Kev stays in that role, I don’t see myself anywhere else. I’ve got a good relationship with him, I love playing under him and I’ve played some of my best footy under him as well.
“If he’s there, I’ll be there as well with him, but time will tell.”
Walters has confirmed that he wants to retain the job but is yet to be reappointed to the position.
The Kangaroos’ series win completed a memorable year for Staggs, who was also a member of the Michael Maguire-coached Broncos team that won the club’s first premiership since 2006.
“I wake up every morning with my (premiership) ring next to me,” he said.
“It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do as a young kid. When you play in the NRL, that’s the one goal you want to achieve – win a premiership.
“I’ve been at this club for eight years now and to finally get one, I still can’t believe it.”
Staggs said the Broncos were intent on winning back-to-back premierships.
“It’s no different to this year. We’re hungry to go again, and back-to-back is a lot better than winning one.”
Staggs also celebrated winning the morning session of Wednesday’s Australian PGA Pro-Am at Royal Queensland, where he teamed up with fellow Broncos Adam Reynolds and Jesse Arthars, and 2022 British Open champion Cam Smith, who is a diehard Broncos fan.
“To play alongside (Smith) and get some tips off him was unreal,” Staggs said.
Originally published as Kotoni Staggs links Kangaroos allegiance directly to future of coach Kevin Walters
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