Brisbane strike centre Kotoni Staggs wants to be a Bronco for life and is on the cusp of getting his wish.
The Broncos are in negotiations for a multi-year extension for the off-contract 26-year-old who debuted at the club in 2018 under former coach Wayne Bennett.
AAP understands a deal will be struck in the near future.
Speaking at the Deadly Choices season launch in Brisbane, Staggs made it clear he wanted to make the Broncos his permanent home despite interest from several other clubs.
"As a young kid this is where I wanted to be and I couldn't see myself anywhere else," Staggs said.
" I have just got to play good footy this year and perform well.
"My footy will do the talking and I have good people behind me who will do the talking as well. I will leave it in their hands.
"I love the club and have been signed at the club for 11 years. I've played first-grade for eight. It means a lot to me. I am comfortable here."
Staggs has scored 52 tries in 121 appearances for the Broncos and represented NSW, Tonga and Australia. He has Tongan and Indigenous heritage.
Now ensconced in the Broncos leadership group, he has endeared himself to Brisbane fans for the passion with which he plays. Being placed in the leadership group has been a turning point.
"It has shaped me into the person I am today. Obviously I had a lot to get through in the past," he said.
"I have surrounded myself with good people who want to go far in life. That is what I want to do. As a leader of this club and organisation it is massive for myself.
"I never thought a young kid from Wellington would be in a leader group at the club he loved growing up. It is a special moment."
When new coach Michael Maguire arrived at the club he said his intention was not to make it an either/or proposition with regard to re-signing Staggs and off-contract winger Selwyn Cobbo.
"They are two players I would like to keep," Maguire said.
AAP understands the Broncos are working hard on retaining their current roster. Queensland winger Cobbo remains one of them.
Staggs also wants that to become a reality.
"Obviously we all know what happens. Clubs have only got so much money but I'd love us to stay," he said.
"I have talked to Selwyn about this. He loves the club as much as I do.
"I love being around him. That little smile that walks in the change room every day ... you know he is here to train.
"He is one of those ones that is relaxed and chilled as. He doesn't talk much but when we do get him talking he does get us smiling.
"I can't wait to get back on the field with him."
Deadly Choices is the respected leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander preventative health program that Staggs is an ambassador for. He always shines for the Broncos in the Deadly Choices NRL round and has helped design the jersey.
"I just love putting this jersey on, it means a lot to myself and the people back home as well," Staggs said.
"I am from a small town in NSW and I am doing my part for the community as well. I try and put an influence on the town back home and the younger generation coming through. I am a proud Wiradjuri man and love my culture."
Canberra Times
