Kotoni Staggs is reportedly poised to sign a $2 million extension with Brisbane that that could spell bad news for Selwyn Cobbo’s hopes of staying at the Broncos. The future of Brisbane’s star outside backs has been a topic of discussion for months, amid suggestions coach Michael Maguire would not be able to fit both under the salary cap and would have to prioritise one of his strike weapons.
Staggs’ recent promotion to Brisbane’s leadership group indicated the former NSW Origin centre was ahead of Cobbo in the pecking order. And it’s now understood the 26-year-old will reject interest from rival Sydney clubs and commit his future to the Broncos, in a deal that could run until the end of the 2029 season.
The Courier Mail reports that while Staggs has not yet signed the new deal, he is in “advanced negotiations” with the club to agree an extension that will be for at least the next three years, and possibly four – taking him to the end of the 2028 or 2029 seasons. The re-signing of the gun centre would be the first major piece of retention from Broncos coach Maguire and see him ward of the likes of the Sydney Roosters, who among the clubs reportedly interested in poaching Staggs.
The 26-year-old appeared to be behind Cobbo in the pecking order at the Broncos last season before his teammate’s form dipped and he battled off-field problems. But Staggs enjoyed a strong finish to the season that saw him claim the Allan Langer Award as the club’s best back and Maguire has been impressed enough by the centre’s attitude to elevate him to the Broncos’ leadership group.
“Kotoni has always been a handful of a player and I’d love to keep him here absolutely,” Maguire told The Courier Mail. “The one thing I’ve liked since coming here is Kotoni’s leadership qualities. He is an experienced squad member now and his leadership has really stood out.”
New Kotoni Staggs deal could push Selwyn Cobbo out
Cobbo and Staggs are currently both without a contract for 2026, and Maguire has declared he wants to keep both. But salary cap constraints has led to the very real prospect that one of them might have to leave if they want bigger money than what the Broncos can afford to pay. And that is looking increasingly likely to be Cobbo now after the latest development.
The Broncos have a large chunk of their salary cap tied up in their biggest superstars such as Reece Walsh, Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan and Ezra Mam, who’ve all committed to the club long-term. Maguire’s men also signed Maroons and Kangaroos star Ben Hunt this season and Staggs’ expected extension could mean Cobbo is squeezed out of the club.
Maguire reportedly wants to see how Cobbo bounces back in 2025 after his rollercoaster last season, with the veteran coach hoping his shift back to the wing will bring out the best in the Maroons star. But the Broncos coach is adamant he wants to keep hold of Cobbo and the club insists it has room in the salary cap to retain both Cobbo and Staggs. 2025 is expected to be veteran skipper Adam Reynolds’ final season in the NRL and his retirement would certainly free up some cash for the club.
“If Selwyn focuses on the training part, most of the contract stuff will sort itself out – it always does,” Maguire added. His application is there and I have really enjoyed his company already, we’ve had some good chats and he’s a good kid.”
