Broncos star Patrick Carrigan has landed himself in a spot of bother following a high tackle on Friday night, potentially facing scrutiny from the NRL match review committee.
In the opening half against the Cowboys, Carrigan inflicted a heavy tackle on winger Zac Laybutt, prompting referee Ashley Klein to immediately award a penalty.
“Oh my goodness,” exclaimed Johnathan Thurston during his commentary for Nine.
Replays revealed that the Broncos captain’s shoulder made direct contact with Laybutt’s head, leading Klein to send him to the sin bin for ten minutes.
Patrick Carrigan’s high tackle on Zac Laybutt. Nine
There was no dissent from Carrigan or any of the commentators regarding the decision.
“This is quite clear—he completely misjudged his target area,” remarked Cameron Smith.
The potential absence of Carrigan would add to Brisbane’s woes, as the team is already missing key players Ben Hunt and Reece Walsh due to injuries.
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Kotoni Staggs kicked off the scoring at Suncorp Stadium after a clever grubber kick from the replacement halfback, who filled in for the injured Adam Reynolds.
North Queensland responded when Scott Drinkwater made a break from deep within his own half, linking up with Jaxon Purdue to dash away for a try.
“This kid’s got some serious speed,” said Thurston.
Purdue recently signed a lucrative long-term contract extension worth $3 million with the Cowboys, while his teammate Drinkwater may be facing a move away from the club.
With Carrigan in the sin bin, Laybutt then scored to put the Cowboys in front, capitalising on Brisbane’s reduced numbers.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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