LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Concerns have arisen among fans regarding Brisbane Broncos lock Pat Carrigan, who was spotted wearing a wrist brace at the second Ashes Test held at the Gabba over the weekend.
Following a remarkable 2025 season, in which he helped the Broncos secure the NRL premiership, contributed to Queensland Maroons' success in the State of Origin series, and celebrated an Ashes victory with Australia, Carrigan's appearance with a cast on his left wrist has raised eyebrows.
Carrigan had previously worn strapping on the same wrist towards the end of the NRL season and during the Ashes series in England, leading to speculation about possible post-season surgery.
Recent images showed Carrigan sporting a firm brace. Commenting on this, NRL Physio's Brien Seeney noted that such a cast typically suggests a thumb or wrist injury, likely involving the scaphoid bone.
"This type of brace would often indicate a thumb or wrist (e.g., scaphoid) injury or surgery," Seeney stated on social media. "These situations are common in the offseason."
While there has been no official statement from the Broncos regarding Carrigan's condition, it is believed he will still be available for Round 1 in 2026, despite the ongoing speculation.