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But as he prepared to venture to England for the Broncos’ World Club Challenge clash with Hull KR, Staggs said regardless of the strategies at play, the best men available needed to be chosen.
“I think the level we play, you’re always going to pick the best team, no matter what,” Staggs said. “You never know, it depends on who we’re playing and whereabouts we are on the ladder.”
The club to benefit the most from this change could be Brisbane’s crosstown rivals, the Dolphins.
Coach Kristian Woolf faces a selection conundrum if his squad can hit full strength.
Two of his lock options at full strength – Max Plath and Kurt Donoghoe – have proven themselves NRL-quality No.13s, but also have the ability to cover the halves and hooker, with the latter also playing fullback at times.
Brisbane Broncos squad for World Club Challenge
Grant Anderson, Patrick Carrigan, Jack Gosiewski, Payne Haas, Ben Hunt, Jaiyden Hunt, Corey Jensen, Josiah Karapani, Ezra Mam, Deine Mariner, Blake Mozer, Cory Paix, Adam Reynolds, Jordan Riki, Gehamat Shibasaki, Kotoni Staggs, Ben Talty, Aublix Tawha, Reece Walsh, Xavier Willison
Nine players – Thomas Flegler, Daniel Saifiti, Francis Molo, Morgan Knowles, Felise Kaufusi, Ray Stone, Sebastian Su’a, Plath and Donoghoe – will vie for spots in the middle rotation, and Woolf will be able to expand and his assess options depending on the context of the game.
Once Jack Bostock returns from a ruptured ACL, he will also factor into considerations despite the presence of Selwyn Cobbo and Jamayne Isaako on the wings. Former Panther Brad Schneider could support halves Kodi Nikorima and Isaiya Katoa, while Trai Fuller looms as an X-factor option.
Speaking as he announced a contract extension with the Dolphins through to the end of 2028, Donoghoe admitted he was still yet to figure out where his best position was, meaning he could find himself as the ultimate “Mr Fix-It” in the six-man bench era.
That versatility could also be his launchpad to a State of Origin debut for New South Wales.
“I wouldn’t mind playing lock, but I’m not too bothered at the moment. We’ve got a lot of depth and a lot of good players there,” Donoghoe said.
“[Origin] is a massive goal of mine. I grew up watching New South Wales and being through all the pain all those years [when Queensland won eight straight series].
“It’d mean a lot to me. I definitely wouldn’t look back if I got the opportunity.”
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