Kotoni Staggs justifies calls for Aussie jersey after NRL great's Trbojevic prediction
One moment that left the NRL commentators in shock was when Staggs sprinted from one side of the field to the other and tackled Bayleigh Bentley-Hape after an intercept. Staggs' effort was special and the centre has been one of the Broncos' best players in 2025, despite a rollercoaster season.
But he was back to his best on Friday night having scored two tries, assisted another and made two linebreaks as his side were unstoppable. And Staggs is putting himself in the selection frame for the Kangaroos tour come the end of the season with former coach Walters handed the reins of the national side.
Reports suggest Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow is tossing up switching his national rugby league allegiances to Samoa, which would free up a centre position in the green and gold. Other incumbent Trbojevic has been moved to the centres for the Manly Sea Eagles after struggling to find form in the No.1 jersey.
And the Manly star had a poor game defensively last week against the Bulldogs, which has thrown his role in the national side into question. Only last week, Corey Parker claimed he would select Staggs as one of his centres for the historic tour of England. And while it may have raised eyebrows at the time, it appears he may be onto something.
Corey Parker predicts Kotoni Staggs selection
Staggs has been in sensational form across the last eight rounds and his former Broncos coach may have plans for the NSW centre to come into the side come the Wembley clash. Speaking on SEN Radio last week, Parker went for Knights centre Bradman Best and Broncos star Kotoni Staggs as his Kangaroos pairing.
The Broncos and Queensland great wasn't convinced just yet we are seeing the Trbojevic of old and also left the incumbent out of his current Kangaroos side to take on England. While Parker also left out Latrell Mitchell from his predicted Kangaroos XIII, it appears the Rabbitohs star is set for an early return.
Kotoni Staggs since Round 14152 metres per game36 tackle breaks11 line breaks4 tries3 try assistsBy far the best run of his career and arguably has been Brisbane's best player in those 7 games https://t.co/UtRFQnhr2m
— Rhys 🇦🇺❗️ (@SulloReport) August 2, 2025
Tom Trbojevic facing tough Kangaroos battle
Walters is set for a massive boost for the Ashes series with Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett confirming Mitchell will return within the next two weeks. Mitchell played well for the NSW Blues in the State of Origin series, but didn't produce too many moments of magic in the decider with Queensland taking Game 3 in Sydney.
Unfortunately for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Mitchell injured his hamstring in training and was thought to be out for around eight weeks and potentially the season. However, Bennett confirmed after the Broncos thrashing the side should be welcoming back their superstar shortly. This is a boost for South Sydney and Walters who will have the luxury of selecting the NSW centre if he finds form.
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Although it does come as a blow to Trbojevic who appears to be fighting for his jersey. Trbojevic has had a disrupted season with injury and being moved from fullback to centre. Bronson Xerri and Connor Tracey both targeted the left side of the field in the Bulldogs win over Manly last weekend and Trbojevic's defence came into question.
And Walters will now be tossing up his selections with Trbojevic facing an opportunity to bounce back against the Roosters on Saturday. Both the Roosters and Manly will see the clash at Brookvale Oval as a must-win clash if they want to keep their top eight hopes alive in 2025. And Trbojevic will be looking to showcase some of his barnstorming runs to remind fans of his star power.
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