BREAKING: Two additional teams preparing to compete for the standout player from the Broncos
The Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles are getting ready to compete for the talented Kotoni Staggs from the Brisbane Broncos.
Even though Kotoni Staggs is under contract until the end of 2025 and cannot negotiate until November 1 this year, there is already speculation that he will be highly sought after once that date arrives.
While Brisbane Broncos ideally want to secure Staggs before November 1, there are no guarantees they can do so. The team is facing salary cap constraints due to recent signings like Payne Haas, Ezra Mam, Jordan Riki, and Brendan Piakura, along with long-term contracts for players such as Patrick Carrigan and Deine Mariner.
In addition to Staggs, Brisbane is also focused on securing the future of star Queensland State of Origin fullback Reece Walsh, who is also off-contract at the end of 2025. It’s rumored that Walsh is close to signing a lucrative deal worth over $1 million per season, possibly before the November 1 deadline.
The exact cost to retain Staggs is unknown, but it is likely to exceed what the Broncos can currently afford. News Corp reports that the Sydney Roosters and Manly Sea Eagles are expected to express interest in acquiring Staggs.
The Roosters will see Joseph Manu and Joseph Suaalii leaving their backline at the conclusion of this year, with the potential retirement of Daniel Tupou also up in the air.
Billy Smith is expected to secure a spot in the top 17 as one of the outside backs, but with limited options available for 2024, the team might have to wait a year for a standout replacement like Staggs.
On the other hand, Manly is likely to part ways with Josh Schuster soon and faces uncertainties regarding their outside back lineup going forward.
Another contender rumored to be interested in signing the star center is the Dolphins. However, recent reports indicate conflicting information, with some suggesting they might withdraw from the bidding war. The Dolphins have already secured Herbie Farnworth from the Broncos in 2023 and currently have an abundance of backline players vying for playing time.
It remains unclear what Kotoni Staggs’ preferences are for his next contract.
