Australian Kangaroos centre Kotoni Staggs has lifted the lid on why he opted to represent his nation of birth over Tonga in the inaugural Pacific Championships.
Staggs’ inclusion into the Australian side came as a surprise to many after the Broncos star was out of the calculations for the NSW Blues Origin team, despite having one of his best seasons to date.
The 24-year-old was expected to come into calculations for Tonga’s side in the end-of-year Test series against England but he admitted the honour of playing for Australia was too hard to turn down.
“Getting an opportunity to my dad’s side (Tonga), I just wanted to pay respects back to him,” Staggs told SEN 1170 Mornings.
“To get the opportunity to do it for Mum’s side (Australia) as well, when I was told I was getting selected I was over the moon.
“I’ve always wanted to put that green and gold jersey on since I was young, to be able to do that now, it’s probably another highlight that I can add to my career.
“It’s just amazing where I’ve come from, a small country town in NSW, Wellington, I’ve loved doing this for my family and for my community.”
Staggs shined in his Australian debut, as the Kangaroos dominated a shell shocked Samoan side in Townsville walking away with a 38-12 win.
The star centre managed a late try whilst kicking five goals and leading the Kangaroos in metres gained with 195.
“Coming into the team at the start, I didn’t think that I was going to get the opportunity to kick, Val (Holmes) is mainly the kicker, and he was out,” Staggs added.
“I put my hand up to do it and I felt comfortable, I practiced all week, to be able to get a few (attempts) at the start of the game got the nerves away.”
Staggs will lineup in the centres for his second game in the green and gold jersey as Australia host New Zealand in the penultimate group stage of the Pacific Championships on Saturday night.