Maguire under pressure to follow Slater’s lead with Carrigan position switch
Brisbane Broncos coach Michael Maguire is facing growing pressure to follow in Billy Slater’s footsteps and move Patrick Carrigan back to his preferred position at lock. Slater made the decision to return Carrigan to the No.13 jersey for Queensland, reigniting debate around his role at club level.
The Broncos’ struggles have continued, with their latest defeat to a determined Dragons side marking their fifth loss in six games. Once again, Brisbane collapsed in the second half—a recurring issue this season—and fans are calling for changes. One major point of contention is how Carrigan is being utilised.
Carrigan built his reputation as one of the league’s top locks, earning success in that position at the State of Origin level. Under Slater, he has thrived at lock and solidified his status in the Queensland lineup. However, Maguire has continued to deploy him at prop, replicating the strategy used by Australia during the Pacific Championships last year.
While Carrigan has performed well in the front row alongside Payne Haas, many feel his ball-playing ability and influence have been diminished. His move has allowed Kobe Hetherington to slot in at lock, though Hetherington’s contribution in attack has been minimal, as he’s primarily used for defence.
Broncos legend Corey Parker recently highlighted the issue, pointing out that Carrigan only passed the ball three times after engaging the defensive line in the Dragons game—an indication that Brisbane’s attack is becoming too predictable. The use of Carrigan at prop has also limited game time for rising forward Xavier Willison.
Slater’s call to name Carrigan at lock for Origin I—despite speculation that he’d play prop to accommodate returning enforcer Tino Fa’asuamaleaui—has intensified calls for Maguire to do the same at club level. Slater clearly values Carrigan’s skill set and opted to utilise Fa’asuamaleaui’s size through the middle instead.
Meanwhile, Carrigan sustained a facial injury in the dying moments of the Broncos’ defeat, requiring surgery for a split lip. Despite the scare, there’s optimism he will recover in time to feature for Queensland in the series opener at Suncorp Stadium.
Slater stuns with Toia debut amid injury crisis
Queensland coach Billy Slater has also turned heads with his selection of three rookies for Origin I: Robert Toia, Beau Fermor, and Trent Loiero. Injuries to key players, including wingers Selwyn Cobbo and Murray Taulagi, have forced Slater’s hand, with Toia earning a surprise debut in the centres after only 10 NRL appearances for the Roosters.
Valentine Holmes will shift from centre to wing to accommodate Toia, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Xavier Coates round out the backline. In the forward pack, Fermor and Loiero will come off the bench, with Reuben Cotter and Jeremiah Nanai named to start in the second row following Tom Gilbert’s pectoral injury.
Slater has once again shown a willingness to back youth—similar to his early faith in Reece Walsh—with Toia widely seen as a future star.
