NRL 2022: Patrick Carrigan’s brutal truth bomb for Brisbane Broncos ahead of his Kangaroos debut
Kangaroos debutant Pat Carrigan had a breakout 2022 season, but he hasn’t hid his frustration at the Broncos’ disappointing end to the year and how he aims to fix it.
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 and he wasn’t going to become complacent following his 2022 heroics.
“It was definitely disappointing from a club perspective and it was tough to sit there (suspended) and watch and know I couldn’t contribute in the best way possible,” he said.
“In saying that, while I wanted to play finals footy this year, it’s a blessing in disguise for us. We will take some key lessons and learnings out of this year to make us better next year.
“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.
“The best players keep finding things to get better at.
“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. There are a lot of driving factors that have got me hungry for next year.
“I want to keep getting better and have success with the club next year.”
Before he reports for the 2023 Broncos pre-season, Carrigan has a World Cup to win with Australia.
He will come off the bench against Fiji in Leeds and has secured the coveted No. 13 jersey for the tournament due to Australia’s controversial numbering system.
Carrigan only managed 14 games for the Broncos this year due to injury, suspension and Origin commitments, but it was enough for him to secure a spot in Australia’s 24-man squad.
He is the only Broncos player in the Kangaroos squad after Payne Haas withdrew from selection.
Now Carrigan wants to prove he is in Australia’s best 17 throughout the pool stage of the tournament and lock up a spot in the finals.
“I want to be part of playing every week,” Carrigan said.
“While that’s a personal goal, we all have to be happy for each other if we’re not playing. Whatever role I play in this squad, hopefully we can win a World Cup at the end.
“It’s a massive honour and something I’m very grateful to be part of. When you put yourself in the room with these guys, and what they’ve achieved in the game, is amazing.
“I’m going to have lifelong mates and experiences from it so I’m in a pretty fortunate position.”
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