STAGGS CLEAR FOR BUNNIES CLASH
BRONCOS coach Anthony Seibold says Kotoni Staggs will not be stood down for Friday night’s clash with Souths after the star centre was interviewed by the NRL Integrity Unit.
Staggs is exploring legal action, believing he was the victim of a revenge porn video that was filmed by a woman, with the public leaking of the footage triggering an inquiry from NRL Integrity Unit officers.
Queensland Police yesterday confirmed a complaint had been made and they were investigating.
Seibold confirmed Staggs yesterday co-operated with the NRL Integrity Unit, who will finalise their probe in the coming days, but the Broncos coach insists his strike centre will be available for the Rabbitohs clash at ANZ Stadium.
“My understanding is there is nothing Kotoni has done wrong. I don’t want to prejudice anything further there, I will leave it to the NRL to handle,” Seibold said.
“Kotoni has had an interview with the integrity unit (on Wednesday morning).
As a club and as his coach, I have no further comment to make, he has done that and we will leave it to the integrity unit to handle.
“It’s really challenging for Kotoni. I don’t want to draw too much attention to the case because I don’t think it’s the right thing to do, but Kotoni’s welfare is at the forefront of what we are trying to do.
“He will play, he is excited about playing on Friday night and we will put some support around him there.”
The Broncos were boosted by Staggs’ comeback from injury a fortnight ago and the cavalry is returning for embattled Brisbane, with David Fifita cleared to play and key prop Matt Lodge also expected to get the green light.
While the Broncos will be without star pivot Anthony Milford (hamstring), Lodge is set to bolster Brisbane’s pack.
Lodge was named 20th man in Brisbane’s squad but he is likely to be a late inclusion on the bench.
“He has some bone bruising on his knee but we will wait to see how he pulls up (today),” Seibold said.
“We are positive in any case with Lodgey.”