Staggs’ omission from the team lists announced on Tuesday was unexpected, especially as this round was his last chance to impress for a potential spot on the NSW Blues team selected by Michael Maguire.
The Broncos later revealed that scans showed Staggs sustained a fractured rib during the club’s Magic Round clash against the Manly Sea Eagles last Friday. Despite training at Red Hill on Tuesday and having a slim chance to play against the Gold Coast Titans, he was ultimately ruled out by coach Kevin Walters.
Kotoni Staggs is out this week after fracturing a rib in Round 11. Suffered it in the 1st half but played out the game – tough effort ++
Expected to be available for the Broncos next game in Round 14 & could even be an outside chance at being available for Origin 1 if required. pic.twitter.com/XcNUi3jb5U
— NRL PHYSIO (@nrlphysio) May 21, 2024
Staggs’ absence opens the door for Josiah Karapani to play his second NRL match, while Reece Walsh’s return pushes Selwyn Cobbo back to the centers.
“It’s an injury you can play with, and we know Kotoni is a tough player, but I’ve taken that decision out of his hands,” Walters said in a statement. “It’s better for him to miss this week and allow the injury to heal over the bye round before we face the Sharks in Round 14. Indigenous Round is really special to Kotoni, and the whole team will ensure we deliver a big performance for him and our supporters.”
