That was the post-match assessment of rugby league royalty Lewis, Gould and Lockyer after Kotoni Staggs enjoyed a debut even the most wild of dreams would surely struggle to muster up.

The Wellington Cowboys junior scored a try and set up another for winger Corey Oates after being injected into the Broncos’ round 11 clash against the Roosters in just the second minute after starting centre Tom Opacic was knocked out in a tackle early in the game.

Staggs ran for 57 metres, made nine tackles and recorded five tackle busts – behind only Broncos wrecking ball Tevita Pangia Junior (seven), NSW Blues-bound centre James Roberts (six) and mercurial five-eighth Anthony Milford (six) – contributing heavily to Brisbane’s remarkable 28-22 victory over the Roosters in front of nearly 30,000 supporters, including friends and family from Wellington, at Suncorp Stadium.

“You can’t beat it,” Stagg said in a post-match interview with Broncos and Maroons great Darren Lockyer.

“Your debut is always going to be a special one and to get the win in front of all my family, they came down, it’s incredible.”

Staggs was told on Tuesday by Broncos coach Wayne Bennett he’d be a chance of an NRL debut, the Cowboys junior and Gehamat Shibasaki in line for the final spot in Brisbane’s final 17.

The 19-year-old Staggs was then given the news he’s been dreaming of on Thursday.

“I was stoked when (Wayne) said that. It’s been crazy. I couldn’t sleep. I came prepared and did my job,” Staggs said.

Which he had to do a touch earlier than most thought.

Opacic was knocked senseless attempting to effect a tackle on Roosters winger Blake Ferguson – ironcially also a Wellington junior – after just two minutes.

Staggs was then thrust into the game, helping put Oates over for the first try of the match with a neat catch-and-pass before crossing for his own four-pointer a touch after the 30 minute mark.

After a huge surge by Pangai on the Broncos’ left edge, Staggs loomed up on the big forward’s inside and latched on to an off-load, bursting through would-be tackles from Ryan Matterson and Ferguson to score a great try on debut.

For a kid growing up in Wellington as a Broncos supporter, it was a dream come true.

“Growing up as a little kid, watching the Brisbane Broncos ... you were one of my favourite players growing up,” he said to Lockyer.

“The Broncos always get a good crowd and to be out here tonight in front of that on my debut is awesome.”

As part of the channel nine commentary team, both Gus Gould and Wally Lewis, the most successful NSW Blues origin coach of all time and a rugby league immortal respectively, waxed lyrical about the performance of Staggs.

“He’s probably still trying to work out if it’s a dream or not,” Lewis said.

“He would have had the thought of one day representing a team in first grade. He’s had that opportunity now and it’s finished the best way possible.”

“They ride the highs and lows with you, but what a special night,” Gould said after footage of Staggs family and friends was shown.

Cowboys guns Justin Toomey-White and Aidan Ryan were part of the Staggs contingent in the Suncorp Stadium crowd.

“To be told during the week you’d be on the bench for the Broncos on debut, and then to be thrust into the action after two minutes ... he did everything asked of him, he did a great job,” Gould continued.

“He’s tough, he’s quick, elusive, there’s not much of him but he kept going.”

Teammate Sam Thaiday said Staggs was “such a raw talent”.

“It’s exciting times ahead for him,” the Broncos’ veteran said.

“We’ll try and keep him grounded, but he’s a humble young kid already so he’ll go a long way in our game.

“He works very hard. He’s forever out there doing extras; he’s a good goalkicker, too. Like I said, he’ll do a lot in our game. Keep an eye on him.”