Carrigan Takes High Road Amid Derby Firestorm: Broncos Primed For Cowboys Test
TOWNSVILLE – Brisbane Broncos forward Pat Carrigan has refused to be dragged into a war of words despite pre-match provocation from North Queensland Cowboys coach Todd Payten, choosing instead to focus on the task at hand as his side prepares for a high-stakes Queensland derby in Round 21. Fresh from a season-saving victory over Penrith last week, the Broncos travel to Townsville knowing another win is critical to keeping their finals hopes firmly alive.
The rivalry, steeped in history and respect, was given extra spice by Payten in the lead-up – an approach widely seen as an attempt to create a hostile atmosphere at the sold-out Queensland Country Bank Stadium. But Carrigan, who has long revelled in these interstate clashes, was unfazed by the mind games. “I’m sure it’s there to spice it up a little bit … it’s great for the game,” he acknowledged. “North Queensland fans are passionate and Broncos fans are too. It’s one of my favourite games of the year. People drive for hours to come and watch us play. The hotels are always packed, so it’s going to be a great game.”
Brisbane arrived in Townsville early Wednesday to acclimatise, receiving a warm welcome from supporters who are expected to turn out in force despite the away fixture. Carrigan knows better than most how tight these contests tend to be. “All the games I’ve played in so far have been decided by close margins,” he noted, recalling their earlier meeting this year settled by a late Scott Drinkwater field goal and an 80th-minute Cowboys score. “The Cowboys are travelling really well at the moment. They’ve got some outstanding young fellas and guys like Jason Taumalolo who are playing really good footy too. We’re prepared to go all the way in this game and I know those boys are too.”
While pundits insist the Broncos must win every remaining game to defend their title, Carrigan is avoiding ladder speculation. “I don’t look at the ladder or pay attention to that sort of thing,” he said. “For me, it’s more about how we feel as a team and the level of our performances. We’ve had some performances this year that haven’t been up to scratch and we’ve had others, like against Penrith, that are more like what we’re capable of. It’s about getting into that rhythm.”
“We’re up for the challenge, but we’re not looking too far ahead,” he added. “You definitely take confidence from what we did last year, but there’s no point looking past this week. I know a lot of their boys personally, so it’s going to be an exciting clash. I’m looking forward to it and hopefully we’ll bring the two points home.”
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