Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold says Tom Dearden is in line to replace injured No.7 Brodie Croft despite Kotoni Staggs impressing as a makeshift halfback.
Three-try hero Kotoni Staggs may have impressed as a makeshift half but Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold says teenager Tom Dearden is primed to take over the No.7 jersey if Brodie Croft succumbs to a shoulder injury.
Seibold was full of praise for Staggs after he inspired the Broncos’ 22-18 NRL second-round win over South Sydney on Friday night, saying the Tongan international was primed for a State of Origin debut for NSW this year.
Staggs at first impressed in his starting centre role before helping to fill the void left at No.7 by Croft who broke down after 14 minutes at Suncorp Stadium.
Yet Seibold was not tempted to keep Staggs in the halves for next week’s clash against the Gold Coast, saying 19-year-old Dearden would be called up if Croft failed to recover.
“It is an AC joint injury so hopefully it settles down in the next few days,” he said.
“(But) we have got Tom Dearden there who we have got a lot of confidence in.
“We developed Tom Dearden last year. I gave him five games of NRL as an 18-year-old kid so he is fresh and ready to go.”
Not that Seibold had any complaints with Staggs’ service in the halves on Friday night after repeating his heroics as a surprise starting No.7 in Tonga’s historic Test win over Australia last November.
“That (Test) actually gave me the thought to put him in the halves (against South Sydney), he did a pretty fair job (against Australia),” Seibold said.
Asked if Staggs could now take the next step and make his Origin debut for NSW if the series remained on track this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, Seibold said: “Kotoni can do whatever he wants in the game.
“Like a lot of the young guys there if he continues to work and is diligent with his preparation …then their potential is unlimited.”
Meanwhile, Seibold said Herbie Farnworth and Xavier Coates were in line to replace Corey Oates on the wing against the Titans after the Queensland winger suffered a rib injury in the dying minutes against the Rabbitohs.
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
The injury was months ago wasn't it. Is Croft still injured?
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
I’d have to go with Friend if fit. Maybe Turpin off the bench. Hate the way the roosters are managing Friends minutes. Has to be on in crunch time imo. Let him rest 10-15 minutes either side of ht if he needs the break, if not, then keep him out there.
johnno 2
Roar Rookie
Hunt on the bench? He's lucky not to be on the bench in the Qld Cup
Rellum
Roar Guru
Arthurs can play centre and Coates or Herbie can play wing.
Paul
Roar Guru
Darius is not the answer in the centres Nat. There was a comment during the broadcast that Corey Oates hasn't scored a try for 7 or 8 games and it was pretty easy to see why, with the lack of service from Boyd. There were at least 3 occasions where a pass outside would have got the Broncos more yards at least, but Boyd kept it and the play stopped dead. Maybe he should shift to the wing given Oates injury?
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
You guys were sensational until Croft left. I think Deardon as a srtraight swap is the answer. Do not even think of moving Turpin. I watched his passing closely last night. It was Cameron Smith like. Long passes out in front , what a difference that makes to those big nimble forwards you have. Plus he kicks and is smart . I would start him in Origin with Hunt on the bench. I am now of the belief this is a premiership winning squad. Not necessarily this year but by 2022 you will have your first since 06. The depth in your pack makes me drool. Of course you won't keep them all forever but you will have won one by then. Oh , I flagged Staggs as a potential star from his first game. He is the best centre in the game imo .
Nat
Roar Guru
Well done boys. Most impressed with Fleg and Capt-Carrigan again laying the foundation in that first half. I think I saw an 8-10-13 link up in one play there, not sure the last time 3 middles played off each other's hip. Shows their developing confidence and not 100% reliant on the Fifita/Haas show. If Croft stays on the score could've been anything. They definately lost their direction after he left - to be expected. I wouldn't say Milf took control but they played off the dominance of the pack. Milf dancing for 40m helped and 'the center who doesn't like other centers' Staggs power was awesome. Darius defended well but cost 2 oppo's in attack by my count. Still, the forwards continually put them within striking distance.
Flexis
Roar Rookie
Please don’t put Staggs in the No.7 jersey. It’s clearly cursed.