Kotoni Staggs bolsters his NSW Blues State of Origin claims with a standout performance despite a nagging foot injury, as Brisbane Broncos secure a commanding 32-12 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

Staggs Battles Through Plantar Fascia Strain

The 27-year-old centre strained his plantar fascia during the Broncos’ narrow 21-20 win against the Wests Tigers in Campbelltown the previous weekend. Typically, such an injury demands a moon boot and several weeks of recovery, yet Staggs pushed through the pain to support his depleted teammates against the Bulldogs.

Post-match, Staggs revealed to NRL legend Johnathan Thurston on Channel Nine that he was ’50-50 whether I was going to play.’ He added, ‘I had to get through it and I knew that I couldn’t let the boys down for this one. So it was worth it.’

Staggs described the injury as having ‘snapped’ his plantar fascia—a remark that prompted Thurston to feign gagging on camera, highlighting the severity of the discomfort involved.

Coach Maguire Champions Staggs for Origin

Broncos coach Michael Maguire, who has guided teams to dual premierships, expresses strong confidence in Staggs, who featured in one game for NSW in the 2022 Origin series.

‘If I was in that position (NSW coach), I’d be picking him,’ Maguire states. ‘I get to see him week in, week out, how he’s training, how he’s grown as a player, as a leader. He’s excellent.’

Maguire urges Staggs to maintain his development: ‘He’s just got to keep working away at his game and when the time’s right, I think he’ll get selected.’ He describes the centre as ‘one of the best centres in the game at the moment’ and hopes selectors consider him for Origin.

The coach praises Staggs’ resilience over the past two weeks: ‘For him to battle with what he’s been going through… and do what he’s done for his teammates, that’s the Anzac spirit. The ability for a player to play through the things he has, that’s in the Origin space.’