Staggs’ nod after injury to Roberts
BRISBANE young gun Kotoni Staggs will confront the biggest test of his fledgling career after Broncos centre James “The Jet” Roberts was grounded for tomorrow night’s Roosters blockbuster.
The joy of Roberts streaking 90m to score against the Dragons last Thursday was tempered by the agony of a post-try Achilles flare-up that has sidelined Brisbane’s fastest player for this week.
Roberts’ withdrawal opens the door for Staggs, the speedy Aboriginal super-sub who will be asked to mark-up against a more supreme indigenous talent in Roosters ace Latrell Mitchell at the SCG.
Broncos coach Anthony Seibold is happy with his backline contingency for Roberts.
While Roberts hobbled through yesterday’s training run, Staggs moved with such intent he was loudly applauded at one stage by Seibold, who liked the offensive lines the 20-year-old ran.
The Roosters showdown carries special meaning for Staggs.
Last May, the Wellington product made his NRL debut against the Bondi club, scoring a try off the bench in Brisbane’s 28-22 victory, and will relish the prospect of facing Mitchell in just his 13th topgrade game. NSW teammates Mitchell and Roberts waged mouth-watering battles at club level last year and Broncos skipper Darius Boyd backed Staggs to handle the Roosters examination.
“Staggs gets his opportunity – he is a young kid with a lot of talent and he’s very competitive,” Boyd said.
“It is disappointing that Jimmy won’t be there but it’s a good chance for Staggs to see what he can do.”