This year has been one of stunning highs for Kotoni Staggs and the lowest of lows but the Wellington junior remains upbeat and focused on getting back to his very best.
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Staggs was the lone bright spot for a struggling Brisbane Broncos side which finished with the wooden spoon in the NRL this year and he was awarded Centre of the Year and Try of the Year at the Dally M awards night earlier this week.
His year also involved an off-field scandal while he's recently undergone surgery after a serious knee injury that threatens to keep him out for much of 2021 as well.
But the former Group 11 star is staying positive and is thankful to those around him who have provided so much support.
"It's a challenge for me at the moment and I've never been through anything like this," he said to NRL.com of his knee surgery.
"This is my first operation but I've got a lot of family and support around me, getting me through this.
"It's just mental as well, I'm trying not to think about it too much and I know footy will be there and I'll be back so it's all about rehab."
While the way his season ended was nothing like he wanted, there were a huge amount of highlight reel-worthy moments created by Staggs throughout the 2020 campaign.
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None were better than his outstanding try against the Dragons back in round 15, one that was recognised on Monday night.
The Try of the Year effort has been replayed plenty this week but for Staggs it was one that went past in a blink of an eye.
Staggs collected the ball deep inside in his own half on that occasion, before sending Dragons centre Euan Aitken tumbling with a dominant fend and then he beat tackles and threw a dummy on his way to the stunning four-pointer.
"It did feel pretty good going over the tryline," he smiled.
"It just went so quick. I remember we set the shape up and I knew I was getting the ball and I always try to get on the outside of my opposite centre.
"I got on the outside and I saw the winger turn his back so I knew it was one-on-one so I put my fend up and that came off and then it was over the tryline."
It was the kind of moment which caught the eye of NSW Origin coach Brad Fittler.
Staggs was expected to be named in Fittler's squad prior to his knee injury but the focus now is on claiming a sky blue jersey next year.
While his recovery in the coming months is key to making that happen, Staggs knows he's got to keep learning and improving to take his game to that next level.
"I learnt a lot throughout the year about myself and my game," he said.
"I've still got a lot to learn and I'm only young. I've only been in the NRL for two years now.
"I'm still learning but I've learned a lot about myself and the players around me, connecting with them."
Staggs also put forward a prediction for this weekend's grand final and tipped the Melbourne Storm to defeat Penrith.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
