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Brisbane Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs says he will commit to Australia for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup – but only if Kevin Walters stays as Kangaroos coach.
Rugby league has long had a credibility issue when it comes to the international game and the statement from the player – who also qualifies for Tonga – is just the latest example of why that’s the case.
Walters, who coached the Broncos from 2021-24, was handed the national role on a short-term deal for this year’s Ashes tour.
He responded with a commanding 3-0 sweep over England, guiding the Kangaroos to wins at Wembley, Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium and Headingley.
The 58-year-old has since made it clear he wants the job full-time, though the ARL Commission is yet to make a call.
Staggs, who played all three Tests on the tour and lifted his Kangaroos tally to six caps, made no secret of where his loyalty sits – provided Walters stays.
“Playing back with Kev during the Ashes was good,” Staggs told reporters. “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’ve played some of my best footy under him. If he’s there, I’ll be there as well – but time will tell.”
The 25-year-old has represented both Australia and Tonga, wearing the Mate Ma’a jersey three times, most recently in 2022. Both nations will feature at next year’s World Cup across Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The tournament draw has kept the two sides apart early, but a semifinal clash remains firmly on the table.
Australia, the defending champions, must finish top two in a group featuring New Zealand, Fiji and the Cook Islands. Tonga face a tougher route through a six-team combined ladder with England, Samoa, Lebanon, Papua New Guinea and France.