Kotoni Staggs has suggested he could play for Tonga at next year’s Rugby League World Cup if Kevin Walters doesn’t remain in charge of the Kangaroos. And it opens the door for Latrell Mitchell to make a return to the Aussie team.
Staggs has played three Tests for Tonga and six for Australia, and represented the Kangaroos in the recent Ashes series against England. Before the Ashes, he was reportedly weighing up whether he wanted to pledge his allegiance to Australia or Tonga.
Latrell Mitchell (R) will come back into the frame if Kotoni Staggs quits the Kangaroos. Image: Getty
Speaking on Wednesday, the Broncos centre said he’ll happily reman loyal to Australia for next year’s World Cup – so long as Walters remains the Kangaroos coach. Walters’ future remains uncertain past this year, as he was technically only employed for the Ashes series.
The Australian Rugby League Commission will make a call at a later date as to whether Walters remains for the World Cup, and the former Broncos coach has stated he wants to retain the job. A 3-0 series whitewash was a great way for Walters to show he deserves the role full-time, although the jury is still out.
Kotoni Staggs (R) has hinted he could quit the Kangaroos if Kevin Walters doesn’t keep his job. (Photo by Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Kotoni Staggs ties Kangaroos future to Kevin Walters
One person who wants Walters to remain is Staggs, and he suggested on Wednesday he could actually switch to Tonga if Walters doesn’t keep the job next year. Staggs previously worked with Walters at the Broncos, and has a close relationship with the Brisbane legend.
“Playing back with Kev was good,” Staggs told reporters after the Australian PGA pro-am golf event on Wednesday. “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 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.”
Staggs’ departure would be a major blow for the Kangaroos and their World Cup defence. The Broncos player emerged as the form centre of the NRL at the end of the 2025 season, leading Brisbane to their first premiership in 19 years.
Latrell Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic to come back into frame
He partnered Broncos teammate Gehamat Shibasaki in the centres for Australia in the Ashes, and a strong 2026 would go a long way to them retaining their spots. But there’s no shortage of players waiting in the wings.
Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic will come into calculations if fit, after both were unavailable for the Ashes because of injury. Trbojevic was phenomenal for Australia while playing in the centres in the Pacific Championships in 2024, while Mitchell was one of the stars of the last World Cup in 2022 and always fires up for rep footy. Mitchell has predominantly played fullback at NRL level, but is set for a permanent switch to centre in 2026 with South Sydney.
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Bradman Best and Ethan Strange would also be options if Staggs switches allegiances. Best and Strange were part of the Ashes squad that toured England, but never got a game.
Meanwhile, Staggs said he’s still basking in the glory of the Broncos’ drought-breaking premiership. “I wake up every morning with my (premiership) ring next to me,” he said.
“We had a yarn before we split after the grand final … what he did at the back end of our year, he left it all in our hands and he believes in us and I don’t think we need to change anything. We train hard and we always do. We’re hungry to go again, and back-to-back is a lot better than winning one.”