Pat Carrigan may play prop for Broncos in 2025 freeing up lock position for Kobe Hetherington

Pat Carrigan has revealed how he reacted to the news that Broncos coach Michael Maguire may move him to a new position in 2025.

Pat Carrigan has declared he is open to a positional switch from lock to prop as Broncos coach Michael Maguire ponders his first selection bombshell at Red Hill.

Carrigan is the reigning Broncos player of the year but the Paul Morgan Medallist says he is happy to give up the No. 13 jumper and partner Payne Haas at prop in his quest to break Brisbane’s 19-year premiership drought.

Maguire is seriously considering shaking up Brisbane’s pack and it’s understood the new Broncos coach has privately spoken to Carrigan about the prospect of Kobe Hetherington starting the premiership at lock.

That could be viewed as a blow to Carrigan given his outstanding form over the past two seasons suggests he deserves to be installed as Brisbane’s pre-eminent No. 13 for the long haul.

Patrick Carrigan is open to a shift to prop. Picture: Patrick Woods.

But on the day a posse of Broncos legends stopped into Red Hill to address the playing group, Carrigan says he will do whatever it takes to deliver a seventh title – including moving to the engine room.

Asked if he is open to a career switch to prop, Carrigan said: “Yeah, of course.

“I think we’re just playing with a few things at the moment as a club, but I’ll always put this club first and my teammates first and whatever position I have to play, it is what it is.

“It’s not too dissimilar to me.

“I’ve played different positions last year, too, and the year before, whether it be anywhere in the middle, so it is what it is.”

Carrigan has had cameos in pre-season at prop and he spent time there again at a sweltering Broncos session on Friday, with Maguire mindful the Brisbane vice-captain represented Australia at prop at last year’s Pacific Championships.

Kobe Hetherington is tipped to move into the starting side for the Broncos. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

By potentially moving the 27-year-old into the engine room, Maguire could find a starting spot at lock for Hetherington, who has impressed the new Broncos mentor with the defensive granite made famous by his father Jason.

The Broncos spent years grooming Carrigan to be the long-term successor to former ironman lock Corey Parker, but the Queensland Origin workhorse believes he, Haas and Hetherington can be a formidable trio in the midfield.

“Kobe’s a fine talent that’s more than capable of playing 13 at any other club in the NRL,” Carrigan said.

“We’re both competing for whatever spot it is in the forward pack, so the more we work hard and work with each other, the better we’re both going to be.

“I love playing with Kobe. He’s a tough old fella, he reminds me of some of the Broncos Old Boys and I’m excited for what he’s going to do this year because he’s got a really good pre-season.”

Patrick Carrigan played at prop for the Australia Kangaroos. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Of his stint at prop for Australia, Carrigan said: “I think there’s obviously a different role in those sorts of (representative) teams where you get to play with really outstanding players and there’s a lot of outstanding players here, too.

“I’ve really enjoyed adding a couple of strings to my bow and doing some things with ‘Baz (Broncos assistant coach Trent Barrett). I just want to keep working on things and play my brand of footy.

“At the end of the day, whatever number you wear, it’s just a number, right? So, I’m not too fazed.”

As many as 10 Broncos Old Boys visited the team on Friday, including Tonie Carroll, Peter Ryan, Brad Thorn and Darren Smith, and Carrigan says the class of 2025 can emulate Brisbane’s legends.

Asked if Brisbane have the roster to win this year’s premiership, Carrigan said: “Yeah, we do.

“That’s the price of entry when you want to come here and every day since I’ve come to this place I know that’s what we’re about (wanting to win titles).

“I believe in this group. I believe in what we’re doing here at the moment. Obviously we had the opportunity to be there two years ago (losing the 2023 grand final to Penrith) and we didn’t quite get the job done, so I’m hungrier than ever.

“I know there’s a lot of boys hungrier than ever to get back there and that’s definitely a motivating factor.

“The belief in this group that I have ... it’s unlimited.”