Laurie Daley has expressed his admiration for Kotoni Staggs's playing style, granting the recalled NSW centre the freedom to channel aggression for the Blues in the upcoming State of Origin match against Queensland.
Staggs, making his first Origin appearance in four years, is set to take the field at centre in game one next Wednesday at Stadium Australia.
Daley's confidence in Staggs is evident, as he selected the Brisbane star without Staggs having played a lead-in match.
The centre hasn't been active since earlier this month due to a two-game suspension received for an incident involving Hugo Savala during the Broncos' round-nine defeat against the Sydney Roosters.
Despite this, Daley believes Staggs can effectively fill the gap left by the injured Latrell Mitchell, encouraging the 27-year-old to replicate the intensity that has established him as one of the NRL's most formidable centres.
"He sets a standard with his aggression and goes after it, and for us that'll be a key piece," Daley stated.
"I want him to play like he does for Brisbane, I want him to lead that physicality and aggression."
"You always look at Kotoni and when he's in that mood he's playing well, so you want him to bring that with him."
Initially, Staggs was uncertain about his chances for a Blues recall after facing suspension by the NRL.