Brisbane’s Mr Consistent, Pat Carrigan, has been given a State of Origin nod of approval by NSW powerhouse Payne Haas.
The two young forwards were named joint winners of the 2020 Paul Morgan Medal at the Broncos end-of-season awards function on Wednesday and Haas wouldn’t be surprised if another honourn comes Carrigan’s way.
The 22-year-old lock is tipped to be among the names in Wayne Bennett’s first instalment of the extended Queensland squad and Haas believes it would be a worthy selection.
“I’m hoping he gets a shot,” Haas said.
“He does deserve it. It’s been a crazy year, especially what’s been going on, he’s been one of the standouts.
“If you guys see the way he plays every week it’s all out. He gives it his all and I reckon he’s ready for Origin. He’s Origin-made.”
In a far cry from years past where the Broncos would dominate Maroons line-ups, Carrigan looms as just one of a few from Red Hill who look to be in the running for a Queensland jumper.
Injuries to rivals such as Kyle Feldt will probably ensure Corey Oates gets named despite a hit-and-miss 2020 season while playmaker Anthony Milford should make the 27-man squad but a starting role looks unlikely.
Injured forward David Fifita was in a moonboot at Wednesday’s awards and while he is unlikely to be fit for the November 4 series opener in Adelaide, may well play a role in the remaining two games of the campaign.
Young Gold Coast fullback AJ Brimson is also expected to be included in the first round of names and could even start in the No.1 jersey with Kalyn Ponga expected to make a decision on his availability on Thursday after a surgeon assesses his injured left shoulder.
Others expected to be included in the preliminary squad are Brimson’s Titans’ teammates Mo Fotuaika and Phillip Sami while veteran North Queensland backrower Josh McGuire has reportedly been overlooked by Bennett.