During some of the hard times Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs endured during the 2026 NRL season, there was someone who always checked in on him to see how he was going – Kangaroos coach Kevin Walters.
The pair have a connection through their time together at Red Hill from 2021-24 and the fact Walters selected him for last year’s Ashes Tour.
But that was also partly off the back of Staggs being part of the 2025 Broncos premiership.
Seven months later and Staggs returned to the NSW Origin team after a four-year absence but was dropped for the series decider after playing the first two.
Then the Broncos' form started to slide with a string of 10 losses leading to a 14th finish with just eight wins from 24 games.
Through it all, he retained his Australian jersey to play in his first World Cup after six Tests in the green-and-gold (2023-2025) and three for Tonga (2019-2022).
“It’s the game of rugby league I guess. Every team I get picked in I never know if it’s going to be my last,” Staggs said as the Kangaroos prepare to meet Samoa.
What you need to know ahead of the Semi-Finals of the RLWC2026
“You’ve always got to put your best foot forward. But when things don’t go your way you look back and try to see the things you’ve got to work on and improve.
“Look I didn’t really let it worry me [being dropped by NSW]. I let my footy do the talking and went back and tried my best for the Broncos firstly.
“Obviously I’m grateful Kevvie gave me another opportunity here.
“Me and Kevvie have a good relationship and he’s always been in my corner.
“He gave me some phone calls saying, ‘keep doing what you’re doing, mate – and make sure you stay fit’.”
The house that Staggs built!
Reuniting with Walters has been just the tonic for Staggs, who has played right centre inside winger Tom Trbojevic for all three Australian pool victories over New Zealand, Fiji and the Cook Islands.
“He’s a character - he does prank a fair few players. What you see with Kevvie is what you get," Staggs said.
“His personality and humour are one of a kind. But when it’s time to switch on he is all hard work and he’s always saying ‘train hard, play hard, then have fun’. With Kev, that’s his motto.”
Reece Walsh Try
One player Staggs hopes never finds his ‘off’ button is his Broncos teammate and Kangaroos fullback Reece Walsh.
“For him to come into this team, after working so hard with the injury to his ankle, he deserves it,” Staggs said.
“The last two games show that when he is ‘on’ he can change the game around. It’s very good to watch.
“I love when he backs himself and brings that kind of game. I just love playing with him and lucky enough to be in clubland with him so I know him on a deeper level.”
- All matches will be broadcast live and exclusive in Australia on Seven and 7plus, on Sky Sport in New Zealand and Digicel in Papua New Guinea.
