Pain to drive Carrigan in Broncos’ charge
KANGAROOS debutant Pat Carrigan insists he can go to another level next year as he embarks on a mission to deliver NRL premiership success at the Broncos.
Carrigan will make his Test debut for the Kangaroos when Australia takes on Fiji in its World Cup opener in England on Sunday morning (AEST).
Becoming Kangaroo No.837 will cap off a remarkable 2022 for Carrigan – who rebounded from a serious knee injury to secure Origin and Test jerseys.
Carrigan, 24, not only made his first appearance for the Maroons but absolutely dominated his debut Origin series to clinch the Wally Lewis Medal. But his breakout NRL season ended in sour fashion as Brisbane blew a finals opportunity to crash out of the top eight by losing five of their last six games, with Carrigan serving a four-match suspension for a hip-drop tackle.
Carrigan said the pain of this season would drive him next year.
“It was definitely disappointing from a club perspective and it was tough to sit there (suspended) and watch and know I couldn’t contribute,” he said. “It’s got me excited and hungrier for next year. I know the work the boys are going to be putting in through the pre-season for us to challenge the top sides next year.
“I’m really grateful to be in camp here with a lot of players and some pretty good forwards, especially locks. I want to watch and learn and not get complacent. We haven’t accomplished anything at the Broncos yet, to be honest.”
Carrigan will come off the bench against Fiji in Leeds.
“Whatever role I play in this squad, hopefully we can win a World Cup at the end,” he said.
“It’s a massive honour.”