Kevin Walters has been dealt another potential setback as the Kangaroos prepare for their first Ashes series in more than two decades. Just days after Payne Haas confirmed his decision to switch his allegiance from Australia to Samoa, another of Walters’ Brisbane Broncos stars—Kotoni Staggs—has emerged as a player weighing up a similar move. If Staggs follows through, it would be another major blow to the Kangaroos’ depth and further complicate Walters’ task of assembling a competitive side for the highly anticipated tour of England.
Staggs is no stranger to international footy. He represented Tonga in 2019 and 2022 before pulling on the green and gold in 2023, making three appearances for Australia. His dual eligibility means he still has the option to represent either nation in this year’s end-of-season Tests. While he has been in stellar form for Brisbane and appears a strong contender for Kangaroos selection, he has yet to commit his future, leaving Walters waiting anxiously.
The Broncos centre has been one of the form players of the competition this season. His powerful runs, hard tackling, and ability to find the try line have been key to Brisbane’s resurgence in the back half of the year. The Broncos are sitting sixth on the ladder, just two points shy of the fourth-placed Warriors, with their sights firmly set on sneaking into the top four ahead of finals. Staggs’ influence has been enormous in driving that momentum, and his performances have inevitably caught the eye of national selectors.
That rise in form has placed him firmly in the mix for the Kangaroos’ tour, particularly given Australia’s issues in the centres. Walters has already seen several options wiped from consideration. Stephen Crichton has long been a mainstay in the Samoan setup, Queensland rookie Robert Toia has pledged his allegiance to Tonga, and Valentine Holmes is sidelined with a season-ending shoulder injury. These developments have left the Kangaroos short of experienced strike centres, making Staggs’ candidacy more important than ever.
Yet, while the door to a Test call-up is wide open, Staggs admitted recently that he has a significant choice ahead. Speaking about his international future, he made clear that while his immediate focus is on helping Brisbane chase a premiership, he knows a decision will come sooner rather than later. “I can either play for Tonga or Australia,” Staggs explained. “I will see how I go for the rest of the season but my main focus is here and trying to win a grand final. Whatever comes after that, I will make a decision.”
His comments underscore the uncertainty hanging over Walters and the Kangaroos selectors. On the one hand, representing Australia in an Ashes series against England is the pinnacle of rugby league, an opportunity that only comes around once in a generation. The three-Test series—scheduled for Wembley Stadium in London, Everton’s Goodison Park in Liverpool, and Headingley in Leeds—will be the first Ashes tour since 2003 and has already generated huge excitement. On the other hand, the pull of playing for his Tongan heritage is also strong, and Haas’ recent move to Samoa has highlighted how powerful that connection to one’s roots can be.
Walters is particularly invested in the Staggs situation, not only as Kangaroos coach but also as Brisbane’s mentor. He has overseen Staggs’ development at club level and knows first-hand how effective he can be in the toughest environments. Many believe Walters views him as a natural fit for Test football. Queensland great Chris Close is among those pushing strongly for his inclusion, praising Staggs’ uncompromising style.
“He is not afraid of anything and he has shown that time and again by the way he throws himself into the contest,” Close said in an interview with News Corp. “England play a very physical brand of rugby league, with big bodies coming at you in the middle and out wide. Kotoni won’t be intimidated by any of that. In fact, I think he’d thrive in it. He has polish to his game as well, with that body swerve, a strong palm, and the ability to hit the line hard.”
Such endorsements add to the intrigue as Walters balances his options. The Kangaroos cannot afford to lose too many more players after Haas’ departure. The Broncos prop’s decision to join Samoa has already created waves, given his standing as one of the most dominant forwards in the game. Now, whispers suggest more stars could follow. Queensland powerhouse Tino Fa’asuamaleaui and explosive back Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow are also reportedly considering switching allegiance to Samoa. If Tabuai-Fidow, who starred in the centres during last year’s Pacific Championships, does defect, Walters’ depth at the position would be further decimated—making Staggs’ potential decision even more pivotal.
For now, Staggs is keeping his cards close to his chest, insisting he won’t allow the international debate to distract him from the NRL campaign. With Brisbane pushing for a premiership run, his immediate task is clear: help his side secure victories and climb into the top four before finals. Still, the lure of pulling on the green and gold at Wembley or embracing his Tongan roots in another international campaign looms large once the club season wraps up.
The situation highlights a broader challenge facing the Kangaroos. As more players with Pacific Island heritage commit to representing their ancestral nations, Australia risks losing depth across several key positions. While this strengthens the international game and creates more competitive contests, it also presents major headaches for coaches like Walters, who suddenly find themselves scrambling to fill squads that once picked themselves.
In the end, the decision rests with Staggs. Whether he chooses the prestige of an Ashes showdown with England in the Kangaroos jersey or opts to strengthen the Tongan cause in international rugby league, his choice will carry major implications. For Walters, the hope is that his Broncos connection and the chance to play in the historic Ashes series will prove persuasive enough to keep another star in Australian colours. But as recent weeks have shown, nothing can be taken for granted in the shifting landscape of international rugby league.
