Patrick Carrigan Ends Captaincy Talk Under New Broncos Coach
Brisbane Broncos forward Patrick Carrigan has decisively ended speculation about his captaincy ambitions under the team’s new head coach, focusing instead on team unity and performance heading into the 2024 NRL season. With the Broncos coming off a promising yet bittersweet 2023 season, where they reached the Grand Final but fell short against the Penrith Panthers, the question of leadership naturally loomed large as new head coach Justin Holbrook takes charge.
Carrigan, already regarded as a leader within the Broncos’ ranks due to his on-field tenacity and off-field influence, had been considered a strong candidate for the captaincy. The 25-year-old lock has quickly become a cornerstone of Brisbane’s pack, and his performances at both club and representative level have drawn comparisons to some of the game’s greats.
However, Carrigan was quick to put to rest any captaincy discussions when asked by reporters about the role under Holbrook. “I’m not here to talk about captaincy. That’s for the coaching staff to decide,” Carrigan said. “For me, it’s about working hard, doing what’s best for the team, and making sure we keep building from what we achieved last year.”
His comments reflect a growing maturity in a player who has already won the Wally Lewis Medal for his State of Origin heroics and is recognized for his leadership skills. Despite his credentials, Carrigan emphasized that the Broncos’ priority should be on teamwork, not individual titles.
“It doesn’t matter who wears the armband,” he added. “It’s about how we come together as a group. We’ve got great leaders in this squad—Adam [Reynolds], Payne [Haas], and others—and it’s going to take all of us to be at our best to get where we want to go.”
Carrigan’s stance aligns with the philosophy of Holbrook, who is known for fostering collective responsibility within his teams. The incoming coach has previously expressed that leadership at the Broncos won’t rest on the shoulders of just one or two individuals but will be spread across the senior playing group.
As the Broncos prepare for preseason, Holbrook’s leadership philosophy will be closely watched. The captaincy debate may continue among fans and pundits, but Carrigan’s decision to focus on the team rather than the title could set the tone for the squad’s approach in 2024.
With veteran halfback Adam Reynolds entering the twilight of his career, Carrigan’s comments also signal that he is ready to assume a more prominent leadership role—whether officially recognized as captain or not. For now, though, the focus remains squarely on team success, and the Broncos will need every bit of their collective strength to challenge again in the NRL’s top tier.