Brisbane centre Kotoni Staggs has been backed to return to the State of Origin arena by his coach Michael Maguire.
Maguire, speaking ahead of the NRL derby clash with the Dolphins on Friday night, welcomed the return of off-contract Staggs from a hip flexor injury for the "Battle of Brisbane" after he missed the opening three rounds.
The coach also confirmed his intention to retain the 26-year-old long-term, describing negotiations as a work in progress.
The Broncos mentor is well qualified to discuss Origin suitability after he helmed a comeback 2-1 series win for NSW over Queensland in 2024.
Staggs, who played his one Origin game for the Blues in 2022, was in the frame to be selected for the first match of last year's series but fractured a rib in the Magic Round win over Manly and missed a crucial three weeks of action just when the Origin period kicked off.
Maguire went with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for the opening Origin clash. He was subsequently suspended and Latrell Mitchell got a recall before he succumbed to injury after having a blinder in Game Two. Newcastle powerhouse Bradman Best then was selected for the decider and shone as the Blues wrapped up the series.
Mitchell and Best will again be in contention to partner Stephen Crichton in the NSW centres but Staggs has the opportunity in the next six weeks to remind new coach Laurie Daley of what he has to offer.
Maguire said Staggs was "well and truly" a candidate.
"An opportunity can come very quickly in that space, that's what I have learnt," Maguire said.
"He has to let the footy do the talking. Kotoni is working hard at his game and I know how hungry he is to be able to put himself in that space. When they are like that, it's good to coach players like that.
"I have been pretty impressed with Kotoni's leadership actually. I have known Kotoni a little bit over time. I've had a few discussions with him throughout last year and obviously the opportunities for him in the Origin space.
"But I have been really impressed with how he has gone about building his game and his hunger and passion for the Broncos. That's one thing that has really stood out, so I'm looking forward to seeing that out on the field."
Retaining Staggs, who has played 121 games for the club since his 2018 debut, is a priority for the Broncos for more than he offers as a player.
"Definitely. That's a work in progress in the background, but ... he wants to be here," Maguire said.
"He is really passionate about the Broncos. It's not just what he does in and around the team, but it's in the community as well.
"I have a lot of people coming up to me and talking about how they met Kotoni and what he has done for people. That is important in what we are trying to build here as well."
