Broncos superstar Pat Carrigan appears almost certain to shift into Brisbane’s front row, with the State of Origin ironman turning in a powerhouse display at Kayo Stadium.
As Michael Maguire ended his first preseason at Red Hill unbeaten courtesy of a 30-14 triumph of the Bulldogs on Saturday afternoon, the decision to shift Carrigan from his preferred position of lock to accommodate for Kobe Hetherington in the starting side had an immediate impact.
Pat Carrigan was strong for the Broncos in his shift to prop.Credit: NRL Photos
Carrigan finished with 122 running metres and 16 tackles for no misses in the first-half, while Hetherington proved a workhorse – finishing with 89 metres and 37 tackles.
Having been told last year before Maguire’s arrival he was free to explore his options, Hetherington declared his desire to plant his feet and remain in Broncos’ colours.
“There’s not much difference between lock and front row, we work good together, and I can build off him, and I’d like to think he can build off me too,” Hetherington said.
“We’ll see what Madge reckons, but I’m just going week by week and training hard. I signed here straight out of school, it’s where I want to be. They signed me as a kid, I’d like to be here long term.”
By deploying Carrigan through his front row and using Hetherington as a palpable battler through the middle for long stints, Maguire has seemingly eradicated concerns the Broncos did not have the depth of big men to support Payne Haas.
Carrigan’s shift has given Maguire options coming off his bench – with Martin Taupau (181 metres), Ben Te Kura (a try, 97 metres, 11 tackles for no misses) and Corey Jensen (129 metres and 30 tackles) all impressing off the bench against the Bulldogs.
Xavier Willison was rested after a star showing for the Maori All Stars.
Eyebrow raising calls vindicated
Maguire left Broncos’ fans scratching their heads when he announced a near full-strength team for Saturday’s final trial – with Brendan Piakura, and livewire centre Deine Mariner not named to start.
In Piakura’s place, Jack Gosiewski – who garnered his NRL debut under Maguire at South Sydney – partnered Jordan Riki in the backrow, finishing with 115 running metres and 24 tackles.
While Piakura was far from poor when he got his chance (48 metres from five carries, and 12 tackles) he was outperformed by his unheralded 30-year-old teammate.
“He is very consistent in what he does, defensively he is strong, and he knows his role. I had a bit to do with Jack some time ago so I know what he is capable of.”
Michael Maguire on Jack Gosiewski
But perhaps the most surprising call was Gehamat Shibasaki – signed on a development deal at the Broncos – named to start over Mariner.
The 26-year-old ran for 80 metres and did not miss a tackle, before Mariner scored a decisive try, while running for 82 metres and 10 tackle busts.
Cory Paix also looked impressive in his stint at hooker, and looks to have beaten incumbent dummy-half Billy Walters for the No.9 jumper.
“I think that’s probably been one of the better things about the preseason – we’ve got the depth there, and there’s a lot of competition for spots,” Broncos winger Jesse Arthars said.
“Everyone’s just working hard every day just pushing each other to be better, and it’s just rubbing off on every player.”
Is Hunt the key to unleashing Reece Lightning?
Ben Hunt’s first appearance in a Broncos’ jersey since 2017 was a victorious one, but it was the way he linked up with Reece Walsh which will have Brisbane fans salivating at what could come in 2025.
The veteran halfback never rushed the livewire fullback, his ability to hold up the pass and give the star No.1 time to attack pivotal in gifting Arthars a clear passage to the line.
Ben Hunt looked in control upon his return in Broncos colours.Credit: NRL Photos
Hunt had a hand in all three first-half tries – his spilt bomb sending Adam Reynolds on his way and passing for Jock Madden to break through in the lead up to Selwyn Cobbo’s four-pointer – the 34-year-old looked at home in his old jersey.
Walsh did not need to overplay his hand. He could pick his moments as Hunt took charge, after Reynolds left the field after a 20-minute stint.
“He brings a wealth of experience, he’s been around for a really long time, and he just brings calmness – he’s really chilled,” Arthars said of Hunt.
“He’s the voice there so he helps a lot, it’s just his experience.”
Broncos stars cleared of injuries
While Haas, Walsh and Kotoni Staggs had all left the field by halftime to receive treatment, none are set to be in doubt to take on the Sydney Roosters in round one.
Haas appeared to aggravate the left foot injury he has been nursing throughout the preseason, while Walsh was spotted with ice on his knee sitting on the bench.
- Staggs was the most concerning with a quad issue, having already been rehabbing a hamstring, but the club have confirmed it was more precautionary than anything sinister.
“They’re very important, they’re obviously our leaders so we look to them when it gets tough. I’m sure they’ll be fine.”
Jesse Arthars on injured trio
