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“But right now, I’m focused on playing good footy for the club, and this is my first priority. I want to be back there [in the Origin arena] – that’s where the best footy players play, and it’s the biggest game of the year.
“If I just do all my hard work in a Broncos jersey, I might find myself back in a Blues jersey, and if that call comes, I’ll be ready.”
If selected, Staggs could line up against his Brisbane centre partner, Selwyn Cobbo, whom he labelled a must-pick for the Queensland side.
Cobbo played in the Maroons’ series-opening win last year – scoring twice and running 109m, with four tackle busts – before succumbing to a hip injury during the contest.
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He was ruled out of Game II, replaced by Xavier Coates, and was unable to claim his place on the flank, but Staggs believes his teammate’s versatility – having shifted to centre this year before impressing at fullback in Reece Walsh’s absence against Manly – warranted a recall.
“He only got a late notice that he was going to play fullback, and he didn’t train there all week … he played out of position and didn’t look like he was out of position,” Staggs said.
“I reckon he deserves the Queensland jersey, for sure. He’s still young and … he loves learning, and he’s been going good this year.”
Cobbo will still be met with stiff competition when Maroons coach Billy Slater names his team next week, after Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, Murray Taulagi and Coates all returned from hamstring injuries in Magic Round.
Working in Cobbo’s favour could be his fitness – missing just one game with a minor finger issue – but Tabuai-Fidow confirmed he was not suffering any lingering effects from his injury.
“It feels good. I had those four weeks off being injured, but I think I worked hard on it. I’m back to 100 per cent,” Tabuai-Fidow said.
“I felt confident and to … go at the speed I was going at, I didn’t have too many worries.
“I’m obviously keen. If I do get the call, I’ll have two games under my belt, which is good for my hammy. I just need to go out there and perform well to get that call.”
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