Kotoni Staggs is adamant the Broncos will not take their World Club Challenge foes Hull KR lightly, vowing to bring home another trophy as they launch their NRL title defence.
“Our mentality is to go over there and win that game," Staggs said when asked about preparations for the upcoming game against the Super League premiers.
“We spoke to some players who have played in World Club Challenges and they say some of their best times over there is winning those games.
“We're going over to win.
"I don't think Penrith did it when they played, so we want to go over and bring that trophy back."
As well as aiming to start the year with another early trophy – after claiming the Witzer Pre-Season Challenge honours last year – Staggs said the game would also put the team on the right path to claim back-to-back premierships.
“In pre-season you train hard and (I) can't wait to get out on the field again and start playing," Staggs said.
“It's good to get that first hit out together and give us some confidence going into Round 1.
“Round 1 will be a big game so we're looking forward to it as well.”
Ready to embrace the different climes and conditions in England, Staggs is no stranger to playing in English conditions and was recently in the UK as part of the triumphant Australian Kangaroos squad that claimed the Ashes 3-0.
“It was cold when we were there for the Australian team, it will be something new and a lot of boys will get a shock when they go over there," Staggs said.
“I'm looking forward to go over ... we did a great job there (as an Australian squad) and we're looking to do the same thing for the World Club Challenge as well.
“All the boys are fit and ready to go.
“(How the game is played is different in the UK, but) it still doesn't change how the back five works, we still have to run hard and try and get quick play the balls for our middles.
“The reffing is a bit different, they allow you to lay on a bit longer, so we are trying some new things in the wrestle room and out on the field.
“All the boys will have an understanding when the whistle is blown.
“The first 20 minutes is key over there, you have to win the first 20 to set yourself up for the game.”
The Broncos have named their 20-player travelling squad, with offseason recruits Aublix Tawha and Grant Anderson joining Blake Mozer and Jack Gosiewski who are returning from injury as fresh faces in the squad.
Staggs has backed both Tawha and Mozer especially to make the most of their opportunity after impressing during pre-season so far.
“Aubs has come in flying. I didn't see much of him at Reddy last year, but he has made his mark. He is training well and getting around the boys," Staggs said.
“He wants to learn and is going to Patty [Carrigan] and Payne [Haas] and asking for tips. He is flying.
“He will get a shot whenever Madge [coach Michael Maguire] is ready to pick the team.
“And Mozer too has stepped up another level.
“Obviously he has had a few injuries and had to do a lot of rehab to get back into the team as well.
“I am looking forward if they do get picked to play alongside them.”
