Carrigan gets second wind at Broncos after Origin
Brisbane lock Pat Carrigan has found another gear in the charge to the finals after taking a different approach to handling the aftermath of State of Origin.
Brisbane lock Pat Carrigan is ready to rip into the run to the finals with extra vigour after changing his approach following a gruelling State of Origin series.
The Queensland forward was a key contributor in the Maroons’ 24-12 win over NSW in the Origin decider.
He backed up five days later in a powerful 70-minute display in a 26-14 win over the Gold Coast before the Broncos had the bye.
The fifth-placed Broncos host Parramatta on Friday night aiming for a far better post-Origin period last year where they won just three of seven matches to miss the finals.
This year, under new coach Michael Maguire, the Broncos and the side’s 2024 player of the year Carrigan are in far better shape.
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“I probably underestimated, having lost last year’s Origin series and putting a lot into it, just how much that can take out of you,” Carrigan said.
“Having won this series, you’re always a little bit fresher.
“I’ve just learned over the past couple of years that it’s an opportunity to let yourself refresh. I was a bit guilty (in 2024) of just trying to double down and dive back into things.
“Madge (Maguire) gave us five or six days off, and that was really good to bring me back level-headed and back to my focus here. I feel really good.”
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The Broncos welcome back from injury props Payne Haas (back) and Corey Jensen (calf) along with winger Jesse Arthars (rib) after they missed the Titans match.
Brisbane negotiated the Origin period well and have won their past five games after losing six of their previous seven. They now have a realistic chance of finishing in the top four after middle forwards such as Xavier Willison, debutant Ben Talty, Kobe Hetherington and Jensen all lifted.
“Hard work’s been what we’ve been about all year and I think that’s just shown during that period,” Carrigan said.
“(Willison) set that standard for himself when he had a really good game in the back row against the Doggies (in round eight) and a few matches earlier this year that showed his potential,
“It’s not only him but guys like Corey Jensen and Kobe Hetherington have been unreal too.
“That next-man-up mentality has been awesome to see and I know the boys are really thriving off that energy.
“We’ve seen Ben Talty get a couple games and when you see guys rewarded for hard work, not only for what they’ve done for this club but continual seasons, it makes this place feel pretty special.”
The Broncos are now at full strength for the Eels clash.
“Competition for spots here is probably what’s driven our form during this period and will leading into the back end of the year,” Carrigan said.
“No one’s really safe apart from the skipper and if that quality comes to our training every day then the quality of our performance is going to increase too.
“I’m just excited to build into the back of the end of year with the whole squad that we’ve got because there’s plenty of talent.”
