Broncos Star Links Kangaroos Loyalty to Walters’ Future

🇦🇺 BRISBANE, QLD — The looming 2026 Rugby League World Cup is set to ignite another intense international eligibility debate, but one of the game’s brightest stars, Kotoni Staggs, has made his position clear. The dynamic Brisbane Broncos centre has confirmed he is ready to commit his allegiance to the Kangaroos—but his decision comes with one non-negotiable condition: the retention of current Australian coach, Kevin Walters.

Staggs’ declaration has immediately put pressure on the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) as they decide the long-term future of the national coaching role. Walters, who recently steered the Kangaroos through the Ashes series in England, is currently on a short-term deal after replacing the departing Mal Meninga.

The Walters Factor: A Unique Connection

For Staggs, who possesses dual eligibility for both the Kangaroos and the powerhouse nation of Tonga, the choice between the green and gold and the red and white is deeply personal and professionally rooted. His success is intrinsically linked to his partnership with Walters, who is also his club coach at the Broncos.

“Playing back with Kev was good,” Staggs told News Corp, emphasizing their strong bond. “We’ve got a good relationship. I love being alongside him and being coached by him, he’s taught me a lot.”

The 2025 season saw Staggs cement his reputation as one of the best centres in the NRL, delivering career-best form that directly coincided with his recent contract re-signing with the Broncos. It is this club-level success, fostered under Walters, that Staggs credits for his international achievements.

“If Kev stays in that role, I don’t see myself anywhere else,” Staggs firmly stated. “I’ve got a good relationship with him, I love playing under him and I’ve played some of my best footy under him as well. If he’s there, I’ll be there as well with him, but time will tell.”

The International Tug-of-War

Staggs’ conditional commitment highlights the ongoing challenge for Tier 1 nations like Australia in retaining stars who also qualify for Tier 2 nations such as Tonga. The growth of the international game has been fueled by players choosing their heritage, creating a competitive balance that has thrilled fans globally.

While the opportunity to represent his family’s heritage with Tonga is undoubtedly appealing, the prospect of playing in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup on home soil with a coach he trusts implicitly appears to be the deciding factor for Staggs. His choice is a massive boost for the Kangaroos, ensuring one of the competition’s most dynamic attacking weapons remains available for selection.

💼 ARLC Under Pressure for World Cup Coach

The background to this coaching uncertainty involves a recent shift at the top. Kevin Walters took over the national team for the Ashes series on a three-game contract after the departure of long-serving and successful coach Mal Meninga, who left to establish the new Perth Bears NRL franchise.

Walters has publicly confirmed his desire to coach the Kangaroos beyond the individual series and through to the 2026 World Cup. Given the glowing endorsement from a player of Staggs’ caliber, the ARLC now has a compelling argument to make an early decision. Staggs’ ultimatum—a powerful public statement from a key international player—makes it clear that retaining Walters is crucial not just for team morale, but for securing top-tier talent ahead of their own World Cup campaign. The Commission’s call will shape the future landscape of the Kangaroos World Cup team.