What A Derogatory Statement From Kotoni Staggs In Response To Broncos Reactions To His Contract Expiration.
The centre might not be off-contract until the end of 2025 and as a result unable to negotiate until November 1 this year, but it hasn’t stopped speculation he will be chased hard come that date.
Brisbane undoubtedly would like to lock Staggs up before November 1, but that is no guarantee.
Kevin Walters club are in a salary cap crunch, having re-signed Payne Haas and Ezra Mam as well as second-rowers Jordan Riki and Brendan Piakura in recent times, while they also have the likes of Patrick Carrigan and Deine Mariner on long-term contracts.
The other issue for Brisbane in the coming weeks and months is locking down the future of star Queensland State of Origin fullback Reece Walsh, who like Staggs, is off-contract at the end of 2025.
It’s believed he won’t get to the November 1 deadline, with Walsh reportedly already agreeing to terms on a deal believed to be worth more than $1 million per season.
It’s unclear what the Broncos would have to pay to keep Staggs, but it’s likely to be more than they can afford, with News Corp reporting the Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles will show interest.
The Roosters will lose Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii from their backline at the end of this year, while Daniel Tupou’s potential retirement is also lingering.