‘Just sitting on that’: Broncos star’s shock defection decision emerges as teammate showdown looms

Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs is the latest big-name star to consider a shock Test defection after sitting down with Tonga coach Kristian Woolf.

That is according to Code Sports, who are reporting Kevin Walters could be resigned to losing the gun outside back who was firmly in the mix for selection in Australia’s 22-man squad.

Staggs’ shock decision comes in the wake of Broncos teammate Payne Haas defecting to Samoa ahead of the upcoming Pacific Championships.

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Woolf is hopeful Staggs will follow Haas’ lead. but take the field against him on October 26 at Suncorp Stadium.

“I haven’t (made a final decision) at the moment, I am just sitting on that,” Staggs said.

“I have spoken to both of the (Tonga and Australia) coaches, ‘Woolfy’ and ‘Kevvie’.

“I just told them I want to play this season out, play good footy with the Broncos and I will have a think after that.

“I will sit back, have a yarn with my partner and family and see what options are there and then get back to the coaches.”

Walters has previously coached Staggs during his time at the Broncos, and should he elect to play for the Kangaroos is leading the race for a spot in the centres.

Staggs has previously played for both nations, making his Tonga debut in 2019 before playing for Australia during the 2023 Pacific Championships.

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The Kangaroos’ centre stocks have taken a handful of hits in recent weeks, with Latrell Mitchell sidelined due to a back injury.

Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, meanwhile, has also suffered a knee injury which has ruled him out of post-season international football, while he was also considering a Samoa switch.

Tom Trbojevic and Gehamat Shibasaki are also in the mix alongside Staggs, while Matt Burton could also be an option for Walters.

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