Staggs circling strong showing in next test against Sharks

Newly re-signed on a three-year extension, Kotoni Staggs is focused on building on Brisbane’s last start victory as they aim to take some winning momentum into the back end of the season.

The Broncos centre was a pivotal player as his side thoroughly outclassed their Round 14 opponents the Titans, scoring a try, providing a try assist and making seven tackle breaks in his 173 run metres as they posted a 44-14 scoreline.

The victory also snapped their four-game losing streak which had them sliding down the ladder, with questions being raised about their mentality.

“We spoke about … that we would try to keep the outside noise away and obviously the best way to do that is by winning,” Staggs said.

“I just thought we just took care of what we could control and that was our 80-minute performance and credit to the boys.

“(When) we went down to Manly; we got beat, but I thought what we did in the second half, we took that out to the first half and the full game and I think it was just sticking to the game plan and playing that 80 minutes.

“When we do that and we do it well, we can put points on.”

Not only did the Broncos win in what was also the 300th game for skipper Adam Reynolds, they did it style, sporting striking ‘blackout’ jerseys in support of mental health awareness.

Staggs spoke passionately about playing in the jerseys supporting club partner The Black Dog Institute, saying it was also a cause close to his heart.

“It's very important that we’re showcasing mental health, and I think a lot of people that go through mental health, it's everyday things for some people,” Staggs said.

“It was good for us to be able to wear that jersey and give back to them and show that we're on their side and we're here to help and have someone to lean on and speak.

“I think it's not weak to speak and for us … putting that performance in with that jersey on, it means a lot and I think it would mean a lot to people who are going through it that were watching that game, sitting back.

“For what we'd done as a club, I'm very proud of the club to be able to design that jersey and to be able to wear that jersey for a massive cause.

“We just wanted to be out there … and show people that they can lean on others.

“Obviously, it was a special occasion for Reyno and for the jersey that we wore.

“We knew that we playing for more than just ourselves and all the boys showed up.

“We knew that we had it in us, we just had to take time for us to click and we clicked straight away off the kick off.”

While the club had a week off with the bye, Staggs kept busy last week training with the NSW Blues in preparation for Game Two in Perth, but the who squad will have to regroup to face off against Cronulla.

The Sharks have had a mixed run of form in recent weeks, but have won three of the past five games and come to Brisbane off the back of a good performance against the Dragons last round.

“Sharks are a good team and they've been playing some good footy,” Staggs said.

“It's a long season and the way the NRL's going this year, anyone can end up anywhere, so we have just got to make sure that we come back from the bye and we're ready to get straight back into it.”