In an interview with the Illawarra Mercury published on 1 February 2011, Stanley said the following things about his desires and ambitions for the Dragons: "This is my club," he said.
On 27 April 2011, Stanley decided to reject the offer of pledging his allegiance to New Zealand and have the opportunity to represent the Kiwis, rather choosing to represent his country of birth, Australia, in hope of playing both State Of Origin and for the Kangaroos [REF].