Kotoni Staggs sees himself as a long-term centre but the emerging Brisbane talent is more than happy to be Anthony Seibold's Mr Fix It for the time being.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 20-year-old bolted from outside the Broncos' contracted list of 30 to impress in nine appearances as injuries hit the squad last year.
The Wellington product was used in the backline and second-row, with that versatility likely to suit new coach Seibold's bench strategy in 2019.
Staggs, who won a Queensland Cup premiership with Redcliffe last season, said he had discussed exactly that with Seibold.
"I'd prefer to play one spot, centre. But that utility spot's there ... he's (Seibold's) grabbed me aside and talked about me being that No.14 and utility for the team as well," Staggs said.
"Last season ... it came very quick for me, getting my debut and being in the team.
"But looking back I got a lot of confidence out of it."
With first-choice centre James Roberts in cotton wool, Staggs will get a chance in the backline, alongside a fit-again Jack Bird, after being named to start in Saturday's trial against Wynnum Manly.
It will be Bird's first game for the Broncos since round 10 last year, after the Cronulla recruit's debut season in Brisbane was marred by shoulder and sternum injuries.
He has impressed in the off-season though, with his defensive reads and on-field communication set to benefit a Brisbane defence that was found out at times last season.
"Birdy's got a lot of experience behind him, has been training well to deserve that spot," Staggs said.
"I'll be out there with him this week so hopefully we can go out and do some good stuff for the team."
New Zealand international Alex Glenn, David Fifita and Tevita Pangai will form a dangerous back-row partnership for the pre-season clash, while veteran recruit Shaun Fensom will get his first Broncos start in the front row alongside Payne Haas.
Young gun Sean O'Sullivan, an off-season arrival from the Sydney Roosters, will start at five-eighth as Anthony Milford remains in cotton wool until next weekend's trial against the Gold Coast.
Tom Dearden will get another crack at halfback after the 17-year-old impressed in the side's 42-0 defeat of Souths Logan last weekend, while backrower Jayden Su'A will return from a broken ankle suffered last year on an extended bench.
Australian Associated Press
