Brisbane Broncos forward Patrick Carrigan has found himself under scrutiny following a high tackle on Friday night, potentially drawing the attention of the NRL match review committee.
In the opening half against the Cowboys, the lock-forward delivered a heavy tackle on winger Zac Laybutt, prompting referee Ashley Klein to immediately award a penalty.
“Oh my goodness,” exclaimed Johnathan Thurston during the Nine commentary.
Video replays confirmed that Carrigan’s shoulder made direct contact with Laybutt’s head, leading referee Klein to send him to the sin bin for a period of 10 minutes.
Patrick Carrigan’s high tackle on Zac Laybutt. Nine
There was unanimous agreement from Carrigan, commentators, and experts alike regarding the decision.
“It’s quite evident that he misjudged his target area,” noted Cameron Smith.
If Carrigan faces suspension, it would add further woes for the Broncos, already without key players Ben Hunt and Reece Walsh due to injuries.
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Kotoni Staggs was the first to score at Suncorp Stadium, thanks to a precise grubber kick from the replacement halfback who stepped in due to Adam Reynolds’ injury.
North Queensland responded when Scott Drinkwater made a break from deep inside his half, teaming up with Jaxon Purdue to sprint away and score.
“This kid has some serious speed,” Thurston remarked.
Purdue recently signed a lucrative long-term deal worth $3 million with the Cowboys, while Drinkwater, who assisted in the play, faces uncertainty about his future.
As the game progressed, Laybutt capitalised on Brisbane’s temporary disadvantage, putting the Cowboys ahead while Carrigan remained sidelined.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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