Should Staggs be in the mix for Blues selection?

Denan Kemp and Chad Townsend have thrown their support behind Brisbane's Kotoni Staggs to be selected for NSW.

After a dominant 2025, which saw Staggs lead the competition in line breaks, the boy from Wellington has continued to show his attacking prowess into 2026, having scored a team-high six tries whilst averaging 120 metres per game.

Following their win against the Bulldogs on Friday night, Staggs' coach Michael Maguire believed that the 27-year-old should be in the Origin conversation.

And having previously represented NSW back in 2022, Kemp agrees that the Bronco should be in contention for his second appearance in the sky blue jersey.

“It's an interesting one,” he explained on SEN’s Saturday League Kick-Off.

“Because the good thing for New South Wales (is) they have so many good centres.

“You've got obviously Staggs, Critta (Stephen Crichton), Latrell (Mitchell), (Tolutau) Koula, Casey McLean…the list goes on.

“It's literally the golden era of centres.

“I understand where Michael Maguire is coming from because I know Staggs got his chance a few years ago, but he got an injury and had to get taken off.

“But in regard to the physicality that Staggs brings, he's very much an Origin-style player.

“He's fit as anything, he's rounded out his game, his defence is outstanding now, and I think another string in the bow for Staggs is you could chuck him in the middle.

“If you had to, he could fill an edge back row (or) a middle row.

“I definitely think Staggs should be in the mix".

Townsend would share Kemp's sentiment, believing that his form is good enough to warrant a spot in the squad.

“Absolutely, with the form he’s shown (so far),” Townsend added.

“Around Origin time, we get a lot of names tossed up, and some deserved and some where you're like, probably not.

“Staggs is one of those ones where I'm like, I absolutely could see him playing and contributing to the New South Wales team at a high level.

“He brings aggression, great carry in yardage, which is absolutely what you need in Origin.

“He brings big moments as well. He's played some big games.

“So, there's no doubt we've got some depth there, and it will be an interesting one whichever way (NSW coach) Laurie Daley goes.”

The men’s State of Origin series kicks off on May 27 at Accor Stadium in Sydney.