Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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Josh McGuire watched on as Pat Carrigan was tasked with leading one of rugby league’s most powerful clubs in their darkest hour.
And the former Maroons enforcer declared that trial by fire would pave the way for a career-defining State of Origin campaign.
“Sometimes the weight of pressure can break or build man,” McGuire said.
“It’s built him into the leader he is now.”
McGuire, a veteran of 14 Maroons caps, witnessed Carrigan come through the Broncos ranks back in his own days as one of the club’s leading forwards.
He has since returned to Red Hill as a defence coach – in addition to his work with the Professional Bull Riders – and has noticed considerable growth in the man tipped to succeed Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans.
Carrigan’s leadership credentials were given a test less than a year after his NRL debut, a 12-game tenure during Brisbane’s harrowing 2020 season.
The campaign ended with wooden spoons being hurled onto the club’s training turf, the lowest point in the juggernaut’s 36-year history.
But speaking ahead of the PBR State of Origin series in Brisbane, McGuire believed those harsh lessons had given Carrigan the tools to inspire a boilover in Sydney.
“I think it definitely did [mould him], it’s like if you become a dad young – it can make or break you, and you have responsibility,” McGuire said.
“This is a great opportunity to stand up and stake his claim. He’s got nothing to prove, but the good ones do play better when other greats are out, and I have no doubt Patty will do great.”
The absence of those greats McGuire alluded to – injured trio Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Thomas Flegler and Tom Gilbert – will ensure the role Carrigan has played in Brisbane’s revival needs to come to the fore on Wednesday night.
The direction he provides was highlighted in the closing stages of 2022, when his four-game suspension coincided with the Broncos’ slide from finals force to wilderness.
Brisbane won just once in that period, and conceded more than 50 points twice.
If there is anyone who appreciates Carrigan’s influence, it is star fullback Reece Walsh.
The livewire No.1 has become one of rugby league’s biggest stars – thriving off the platform Carrigan has laid.
Walsh credited Carrigan as the calming presence needed to help him handle the spotlight and expectations which followed him.
And he declared the 26-year-old was primed to cement his status as one of the code’s finest leaders.
“He’s massive, not just for what he does for me on the field, he does a lot for me off the field too and my little one [daughter Leila],” Walsh gushed.
“I think that’s just part of Patty’s nature [being a leader], if there were some big names in I think he’d still want to grow and get better.
“You always expect the quality and big series from big players, and that’s what Patty is.”
Carrigan and the Queensland pack will have a mountain to climb, giving up 224 kilograms collectively against a Blues outfit who have named two extra forwards in lieu of a backline utility.
But in 2024, he has found a way to set the standard in an area typically dominated by bigger men, leading the competition for post-contact metres [858, at 71.50 metres a game].
And McGuire – who himself grew accustomed to punching above his weight – believes those smarts, and the Maroons’ mobility, will foil the muscle they face.
“He’s not the quickest, but he’s very smart and capable of getting people into positions that are profitable for him,” McGuire said.
“He knows how to put himself in positions where he’ll keep momentum, and it shows rugby league is not all about the size and power.
“It’s technique and positioning and awareness on how you’re going to enter the line and isolate defenders to get one on one, which Patty’s very good at.
“He uses the guys around him to build momentum and create opportunities.”
Sydney Morning Herald
