LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Corey Parker, a legend of the Broncos, has recommended that coach Michael Maguire should consider resting Patrick Carrigan in the lead-up to the NRL finals. Concerns have arisen regarding Carrigan's recent dip in performance. Maguire, who took the reins at the Broncos at the season's outset, made a controversial decision to shift Carrigan to prop, with Kobe Hetherington stepping in at lock.
This strategic change did not yield the desired results, as both Carrigan and Payne Haas bore too much responsibility in the forward pack. The Broncos faced a rough patch, losing five consecutive matches during the mid-season. Subsequently, Maguire opted to switch Carrigan back to lock in round 14.
The reversion initially benefitted the team, leading to Carrigan's selection as lock for Queensland in State of Origin Game 1. However, a surprising decision by Billy Slater for Game 2 saw Carrigan benched. This adjustment proved effective, allowing Carrigan to come on when fatigue affected the match pace, although he only played 33 minutes as Trent Loiero handled most of the game time.
Slater's approach may have been insightful, as the demands of NRL football could be weighing down on Carrigan. In a crucial 38-28 victory against the Dolphins, Carrigan's performance was not up to his usual standards. While teammate Reece Walsh stole the show, Carrigan logged 61 minutes on the field, making 35 tackles but managing just 98 running metres-well below his typical average. He also gave away a penalty and a ruck infringement, adding to his struggles. Despite being a valuable ball-playing lock, Carrigan has not scored a try in 2025.
Following the game, a Broncos supporter called into SEN radio, voicing concerns over Carrigan's subpar form in recent weeks. While Parker defended Carrigan, he emphasized that the Queensland forward "might need a rest" to rejuvenate and return to his top playing condition.