The 23-year-old, who is already a Tongan international, was shocked when his uncle Trent and Ryan, who coached Staggs coming through the grades back home in the state’s central west, arrived for the traditional jersey presentation.

“Aidan was my coach but also a brother to me, we grew up together and lived in the same house,” Staggs said.

“It was special for him and my uncle to come through. I thought I’d just get my jersey and sit back down, but then they walked through the door. I had tears in my eyes but they were happy tears. It was a proud moment.”

Trent said: “It was a happy but sad night because he dedicated his guernsey to his Nan [Dawn] who passed away in 2019.”

Staggs suffered an injury scare during the week when he dislocated a finger during a tackling drills, and was unable to pop the left pointer finger back into place, but will definitely start against the Maroons.

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