Brisbane Broncos brawl video: Club responds to damning Adam Reynolds, Pat Carrigan footage

New details of Adam Reynolds and Pat Carrigan’s alcohol-fuelled spat reveal police spotted the incident before speaking to several Broncos players.

Broncos players Adam Reynolds and Pat Carrigan were involved in a late-night scuffle.

Angry Brisbane bosses have read the riot act to the club’s biggest stars following an explosive alcohol-fuelled spat between Broncos skipper Adam Reynolds and his vice-captain Pat Carrigan.

This masthead can reveal the NRL integrity unit will investigate wild footage, leaked on social media, showing Reynolds and Carrigan embroiled in a drunken wrestle just weeks out from Brisbane’s premiership opener in Las Vegas.

The scuffle between Carrigan and Reynolds came just hours after Brisbane held their annual fan day which was a huge success, with more than 8000 fans flocking to Broncos headquarters to meet their stars.

But the Broncos were left to lament a fan-day fiasco after Reynolds and Carrigan almost came to blows on Sunday night amid desperate screams from a female onlooker.

The witness can be heard screaming: “Adam ... Pat ... stop!” as the ugly stoush spills over into a Brisbane parkland.

It is understood some Broncos players kicked on at a Fortitude Valley establishment for drinks after the fan day, but the bonding session took a nasty turn when Reynolds and Carrigan clashed.

Nearby patrolling police spotted the Broncos’ drunken brouhaha and after interviewing players, opted not to arrest Reynolds or Carrigan, ordering the group to go home immediately.

So now that the superbowl is over… NRL regular programming is back.. trouble in red hill with Carrigan and Reynolds 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/BnmbLMOcRA

— NicccccD (@niccccccccd) February 12, 2024

Brisbane chairman Karl Morris confirmed the incident and said club hierarchy would not tolerate poor behaviour as the Broncos prepare to represent the NRL brand in America against the Roosters in round 1.

“It’s very disappointing,” Morris said.

“It’s so close to the beginning of the season and we’ve always had the view that alcohol is not a performance-enhancing substance.

“They are young men and I’m not going to make excuses for it ... These guys should know better.”

Broncos coach Kevin Walters is furious over the altercation and will front the media on Tuesday morning.

Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy held crisis meetings with Reynolds and Carrigan, Brisbane’s future captain, on Monday and has formally reported the incident to the NRL integrity unit, who will begin probing the finer details.

The showdown between two of Brisbane’s most decorated leaders is a disastrous look for the Broncos, who are due to leave Australia in 10 days to be part of the NRL’s historic premiership launch in Las Vegas on March 3.

Broncos players Adam Reynolds and Pat Carrigan were involved in a late-night scuffle.

While bitterly disappointed with the actions of his senior players, Donaghy defended Brisbane’s culture.

“I won’t be embarrassed leading the Broncos,” Donaghy told Channel 9.

“I’m proud of the role and impact we have as a club in the community.

“But we are disappointed about the events and this incident.

“We have sought clarification from the playing group about the events that led to the incident and they are very disappointed about the incident.

“When we reflect on Sunday, we had an amazing day at Red Hill, we had 8000 fans at the fan day but now we’re talking about this.”

Donaghy refused to be drawn on whether Carrigan or Reynolds would be suspended for Brisbane’s first game in Las Vegas, but insists there will be no cover up.

“Our fans understand that we will front up, we will explain the inner-workings of the club and we will be working as quickly as we can to address this matter, deal with it, and look forward to the start of the season,” he said.

“The players are aware of the professional standards we expect, clearly that wasn’t upheld in this instance. But over the last few years we have seen a lot of growth in improving our environment and culture.

“This is no doubt a step back but the intent is to learn from it and get better on and off the field.”

Asked if Carrigan and Reynolds could be banned from travelling to America, Donaghy said: We’ll continue to work through that internally.

Broncos chair Karl Morris responded to the video.

“All these matters have to be looked at in isolation, but we are addressing it seriously and it’s one we want to address quickly to focus on the season ahead.”

It is understood a group of Broncos players dined at the MAYA Mexican restaurant and bar in the heart of Brisbane’s entertainment strip at Fortitude Valley.

Witnesses claim Carrigan was heavily intoxicated, with Reynolds, also drunk, attempting to remove the Queensland Origin star from the premises by calling for a cab for his teammate.

An altercation then took place and spilled outside. Broncos stars Corey Oates and Reece Walsh were also on the scene and attempted to separate Reynolds and Carrigan, who is being groomed to succeed the halfback as Brisbane’s next skipper.

The NRL integrity unit has the power to fine Reynolds and Carrigan for bringing the game into disrepute in consultation with the Broncos, who can choose to impose their own sanctions if required.

Just two years ago, Carrigan was disciplined by the club after drinking alcohol while recovering from a knee injury, prompting a stern response from Broncos coach Walters.

“It’s not acceptable and Pat agrees with that,” Walters said at the time.

“He has acknowledged that and we have dealt with Pat internally.”

Since joining the Broncos from South Sydney at the end of 2021, Reynolds’ conduct has been impeccable and it is alleged he was trying to help an inebriated Carrigan.

Morris said it is unlikely Carrigan or Reynolds would be blacklisted from selection for Brisbane’s season opener at Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium - the scene of Monday’s Super Bowl clash between Kansas City and San Francisco.

“I don’t think that (players missing Vegas clash) will happen,” Morris said.

“But I’m sure Dave (Donaghy, Broncos) and ‘Kevvie’ (coach Walters) will discipline and educate where appropriate.”

Originally published as Brisbane Broncos brawl video: Club responds to damning Adam Reynolds, Pat Carrigan footage