Following what was so nearly a dream campaign, the Brisbane Broncos’ lethal right edge is plotting an international takeover in a bid to emulate their mentor, club legend Steve Renouf.
Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo have earned their maiden Kangaroos call-ups for the Pacific Championships, with Australia’s campaign to begin on October 14 against Samoa in Townsville.
Staggs is eager to follow in the footsteps of Renouf in the jersey “The Pearl” made famous – who went on to make 183 appearances as a Bronco, along with 13 Maroons and 11 Kangaroos caps.
Both Staggs and Cobbo have fought through Brisbane’s dark days of 2020 and 2021, when the club was at an all-time low, each leaning on Renouf at times in a bid to eradicate those memories and forge their own legacies in the maroon and yellow jumper.
Donning the same famous No.3 jersey, Staggs vowed to help orchestrate a Broncos’ era of dominance reminiscent to that of Renouf’s career, claiming he “wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else”.
But first, a Kangaroos stint awaited.
“It’s special, obviously [Renouf is] one of the Broncs’ greats … what he did for the club is amazing,” Staggs said.
“I just want to leave my legacy and build my own throughout this club as well. It’s a jersey that I’m going to remember forever.
“There are a few players who have been through the lows here, they’re always in the back of your mind.
“At the end of the day you move forward … and we’ve got a bunch of boys here now who can make statements.”
Staggs and Cobbo are poised to take on Cowboys flyer and former Kangaroo Murray Taulagi on the same flank, who will make his Samoa debut on his home turf in Townsville.
The 24-year-old starred on the wing in the Maroons’ State of Origin series triumph this year, however has pledged his allegiance to his parent’s heritage for the Pacific Championships.
His brother, former Queensland Red Jamie-Jerry Taulagi, also represented the nation six times in rugby union.
Despite being named in Australia’s World Cup squad last year, Taulagi missed the cut for the final against Samoa. But rather than try to force his way back into the team, he said midway through the 2023 season his decision was made.
“I just wanted to touch back with my heritage and represent a small nation. Obviously, what they did at the World Cup last year, I saw that and wanted to be a part of that,” Taulagi said.
“You don’t hesitate to make that decision when you want to wear the [Samoan jersey] blue. I spoke to my parents, and I want to represent the blue jersey and our small nation.
“I’ve always backed Samoa in the World Cup campaign, and it was difficult to see them go down, but I’m still very proud of the achievements they did. Now I’m very grateful I get to be part of this special group.”
