LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
The Brisbane Broncos have received a significant boost as Pat Carrigan, their star enforcer, has been cleared to participate in the upcoming World Club Challenge. It has come to light that Carrigan played through a broken thumb during the Broncos' triumphant premiership campaign, which ended a 19-year NRL title drought.
Throughout the Broncos' finals journey, Carrigan kept the broken thumb a secret, contributing significantly to the team's success as they claimed victory in the grand final against Melbourne.
During the off-season, the Maroons forward was seen wearing a wrist brace, raising concerns over his fitness; however, it has been revealed that the injury was sustained earlier in the season.
The injury occurred during Brisbane's Round 24 match against the Dolphins at Suncorp Stadium. Carrigan was advised that surgery would sideline him for the rest of the season, with an estimated recovery time of eight weeks.
Despite this, the 28-year-old decided to continue playing, enduring the pain for the next three months. He played a vital role in the Broncos' finals success before joining the Kangaroos for a tour at the end of the year.
Following Australia's 3-nil Ashes victory over England, Carrigan eventually underwent surgery upon returning home and has been managed carefully since then.