Introduction: A Premiers Moment, A Neighborhood Moment
As the Brisbane Broncos celebrated a 26-22 victory over Melbourne in the NRL grand final, Kotoni Staggs added a quieter, but deeply meaningful triumph to his season. Not only did he secure a premiership ring, he also demonstrated the kind of character that many fans wish to see more of in professional sport. In the days surrounding the win, Staggs became a beacon of support for a family dealing with heartbreak next door.
The Family Next Door: A Tragic Loss
Just before Staggs and his fiancée Britt moved into their new home in 2023, tragedy struck Kerry and David Orange. David, a fit and healthy local business owner, died suddenly at just 38, leaving behind his wife and seven-month-old daughter, Eylea. In the wake of such devastation, the community often looks for signs of resilience—Staggs offered more than words or a handshake; he offered consistent, practical help.
Gifts of Everyday Kindness
Staggs routinely buys groceries for the family, drives them to appointments, and even babysits Eylea. He has repeatedly refused to accept praise or compensation for his acts, saying that the smallest gestures can light up someone’s day when they are grappling with loss. “When somebody needs help and I’m around, I’ll do it straight away,” Staggs said after the grand final. “I’ll take my shirt off and give it to them. If I had my last hundred dollars, I’d do the same thing. I’m a giver.”
A Stranger Becomes Family
Kerry Orange didn’t know about Staggs’ football career when they first met. She hadn’t watched an NRL game, either. Through his generosity, she now regards him as part of the family, describing how he entered their lives like an “uncle” to Eylea and offered support in the gentlest, most selfless ways. For Kerry, Staggs offered a sense of peace and glimpses of joy amid a seemingly endless period of grief.
Family Values Rooted in the Past
Staggs credits his late grandmother, Dawn, for shaping his inclination to help others. Raised in Wellington, NSW, he often speaks of Dawn as his anchor, wearing her name on his wrist tape and keeping a photo of her on his bedside table. He has said that without her guidance, he might have taken a much darker path in life. Her influence fuels his ongoing commitment to giving back.
From Grassroots to Grand Stage: The Double Win
The same week that Staggs helped the Orange family, he delivered a standout performance at the grand final and earned selection in Kevin Walters’ Kangaroos squad for the Ashes tour. He says his success on the field is linked to the work he does off it: “I love giving back to people and I love helping out people. At the end of the day, when you do good things, good things come in return. This (grand final win) is what happens.”
Looking Ahead: The Ripple Effect of Kindness
Staggs’ story is a reminder that true leadership in sport isn’t measured only by statistics or trophies. It’s also about the quiet, consistent acts that dignify others’ lives and create a lasting legacy. As he continues his career with the Broncos and the Australian team, his approach to giving back offers a blueprint for what a professional athlete can be—someone who uses their platform to spread hope, not just highlight reels.
Conclusion: A Champion in More Ways Than One
As the Broncos taste premiership success, Kotoni Staggs carries another, perhaps more enduring prize: the gratitude of a neighbour who felt seen and supported when it mattered most. In his words and actions, the line between sports hero and community caretaker becomes beautifully blurred, reminding us all that kindness, when given freely, often returns in kind.
