Brisbane’s Round 1 opener against the Roosters in Las Vegas will hold extra meaning for Kotoni Staggs, with the game to also provide a chance for a special family reunion.
Staggs first met his Tonga-born, San Francisco-based father (also Kotoni) in 2019 after representing the island nation in their historic win against Australia, but he is yet to meet his siblings who live in the United States.
But the 33-year-old skipper has taken part in contact training this week, even climaxing a Wednesday opposed session with a field goal, and looked unhindered in an officiated, full match simulation at Broncos HQ – kicking goals, orchestrating the play, defending with vigour and taking the line on at times.
Brisbane’s reserve halfback, Jock Madden, looks set to be a lock for a place in the squad, which heads to the United States to take on the Roosters on March 3, as cover for both Reynolds and Ezra Mam, but he would be on high alert for a shock call-up, in light of the captain’s situation.
But the 23-year-old, who confirmed he had inked a contract extension to the end of 2026, said he had no doubt the champion No.7 would be fit to take the field.
His job, he said, was simply to ensure he was ready to step up should another setback hit the Broncos’ ranks.
“Nah (I wasn’t worried),” Madden laughed, when asked if he began thinking of a Vegas shot when Reynolds succumbed to injury.
“I’ve just got to make sure I’m ready; I’ve got to stay ready week in week out and continue to push myself and make sure I’m getting better.
“You never know when your opportunity is going to come.”
Reynolds has heavily indicated he desired to play on into 2025, with contract negotiations reportedly ongoing between player and club.
Yet, that failed to deter Madden from putting pen to paper on a new deal, intent on establishing himself as the heir apparent to the veteran’s jumper.
