Brisbane Broncos standout Patrick Carrigan is poised to initiate discussions regarding a contract enhancement and extension in the upcoming months, even though he is secured with the club until 2028.
While there is no urgent need to address his contract at this moment, it is clear that Carrigan has established himself as one of the standout forwards in the NRL.
He is a guaranteed choice for Origin, whether playing at lock or prop, and is seen as a likely successor to Adam Reynolds as the club's captain, especially with Reynolds set to retire this year.
Currently enjoying a lucrative salary, News Corp reports that additional financial incentives are anticipated for Carrigan starting next year as the Broncos aim for a long-term agreement, particularly after Payne Haas's departure to the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2027.
Brisbane's decision-makers consider Carrigan their most pivotal player moving forward and are prepared to reflect that commitment in their financial plans, despite ongoing negotiations for significant contracts with players like Reece Walsh and Kotoni Staggs.
However, it seems unlikely that Brisbane will allocate a seven-figure budget for Haas's replacement.
This is, in part, due to the lack of standout candidates in the market for 2027, coupled with the presence of emerging talents such as Xavier Willison and Benjamin Te Kura, who are ready to step up.
This scenario allows the Broncos, who previously offered Haas a contract similar in value to his current deal, to reallocate funds towards Carrigan and other players seeking upgrades.
As it stands, Brisbane has several players, including Jesse Arthars and Tom Duffy, whose contracts will expire at the end of 2026, while their only addition for next season is Jonah Pezet.