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."
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