Patrick Carrigan Faces Two-Match Suspension After High Tackle
Patrick Carrigan, a key player for the Brisbane Broncos, has been handed a two-match suspension following a high tackle during his team’s unexpected loss to the North Queensland Cowboys on Friday night. The incident occurred in the first half when Carrigan tackled centre Tom Chester with significant force, leading to a penalty being awarded to the Cowboys.
The tackle was so severe that referee Ashley Klein immediately blew the whistle and sent Carrigan to the bin. On commentary for Nine, Johnathan Thurston expressed his shock at the play, saying, “Oh my goodness.”
Replays clearly showed that Carrigan’s shoulder made direct contact with Chester’s head, prompting the referee to take action. There were no objections from Carrigan or the commentators, with Cameron Smith stating, “This is pretty clear, he got his target area all wrong.”
On Saturday morning, Carrigan received a grade two careless high tackle charge, which comes with a two-match suspension. If he decides to contest the charge and loses, he could face a third match ban. This suspension is a significant setback for the Broncos, who are already missing several key players due to injuries, including Ben Hunt and Reece Walsh.
The Cowboys started the game strongly, with Kotoni Staggs scoring the opening try after a well-executed grubber kick from a replacement halfback. The player was brought into the side due to Adam Reynolds’ injury. North Queensland quickly responded with a try from Scott Drinkwater, who broke through from deep inside his own half and passed to Jaxon Purdue, who ran away to score.
“Hasn’t this kid got some wheels on him?” Thurston remarked about Purdue’s performance. Purdue recently signed a long-term $3 million contract extension with the Cowboys, while Drinkwater, who provided the crucial pass, may be heading for an exit from the team.
Laybutt then put the Cowboys ahead as they took advantage of the numerical superiority after Carrigan was sent to the bin. The Cowboys eventually secured a 35-31 victory, thanks to a late try by Heilum Luki.
Key Moments from the Match
- Carrigan’s Tackle: The high tackle by Carrigan led to immediate consequences, resulting in a penalty and his subsequent suspension.
- Cowboys’ Comeback: Despite being down a player, the Cowboys managed to turn the game around with strong performances from their forwards.
- Purdue’s Performance: Jaxon Purdue’s try highlighted his speed and ability, earning praise from former players like Thurston.
- Contract Extensions: Purdue’s recent contract extension with the Cowboys shows the team’s confidence in his abilities.
- Drinkwater’s Role: While Drinkwater’s pass set up Purdue’s try, there are questions about his future with the team.
Impact on the Broncos
The Broncos’ loss is another blow to their season, especially with Carrigan’s suspension adding to their list of injured players. The team will need to regroup quickly to prepare for their next matches. With Carrigan out for two matches, the Broncos will have to rely on other players to step up and fill the gap.
The Cowboys, on the other hand, continue to show their strength, with key players like Purdue and Laybutt making significant contributions. Their victory over the Broncos highlights their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
As the NRL season progresses, teams will need to manage their resources carefully, ensuring that key players remain available for crucial matches. For the Broncos, the focus will now be on recovering from this loss and preparing for their upcoming fixtures.
