Kotoni Staggs has opened up on the mindset shift that helped deliver an NRL premiership and Kangaroos recall after a stunning form surge. 

The 26-year-old has experienced a remarkable fortnight, earning a place in the Dally M Team of the Year before playing a key role in Brisbane’s stunning grand final victory over the Storm last Sunday. 

The run was capped when Staggs was named in the Australian squad for the upcoming Ashes tour of the UK. 

The centre last represented his country in 2023, when the Kangaroos suffered a shock 30-0 loss to New Zealand in the Pacific Championships final. 


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Now back in the national fold, a more mature Staggs is desperate to make the most of his second chance in a Kangaroos jumper. 

“I’ve worn the green and gold jersey before but I’ve got some unfinished business and I want to be able to do it again,” Staggs told NRL.com. 

“Kevie [Walters] is a very nice guy and I love him. He’s helped me a lot along my career to get to what I am today and I’m looking forward to the tour.”

Staggs has long been viewed as one of the most talented backs in the game after making his NRL debut as a 19-year-old.

The centre produced flashes of brilliance in his early years and made his NSW State of Origin debut in 2022. A Kangaroos call up came 12 months later, playing three Tests during the 2023 Pacific Championships.

Amid the representative honours, Staggs has struggled for consistency and battled to maintain elite performances over the course of a season. 

That all changed this year after Brisbane coach Michael Maguire challenged him to set a positive example for an inexperienced Broncos outside backs unit.


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“I was in the leadership group when Kevie was here but I felt like I had to step up more this year,” Staggs said. 

“I just wanted to play my best every game. I knew we had a young bunch and if I could do anything for them to be able to lift and have their best game, I would do it. 

“Sometimes I might not lead by my words, but I try to lead by my actions.”

The Ashes tour will see Staggs reunite with former Brisbane coach, and current Kangaroos mentor, Kevin Walters. 

The Australian team will depart for England next week before opening their campaign at Wembley Stadium on October 26 (AEDT). Test matches in front of sold-out crowds in Liverpool and Leeds will follow to close out the highly anticipated three-game series.

Staggs is likely to take on a greater role after the withdrawal of Xavier Coates and Zac Lomax, with both men succumbing to injury. 

The Bronco is set to line up in the centres, with Brisbane teammate Gehamat Shibasaki the leading contender to fill the role on the left edge. 

“Everyone can see Kotoni’s form in the last six or seven weeks has been outstanding,” Walters said. “He’s really matured in the last couple of years into a top-class footballer. He gets his opportunity once again to play for Australia, to play in the Ashes. 

“He has unfinished business in the Australian jersey and now gets an opportunity to right a few wrongs.”