It was a Test debut made all the more special for Patrick Carrigan thanks to the presence of some long-time mates, who were also appearing in green and gold for the very first time.
One of seven debutants in the squad for Australia’s World Cup opener against Fiji, Carrigan had close friends Harry Grant and Reuben Cotter beside him, as well as one-time Junior Kangaroos teammates, and now fellow Queensland Origin reps, Murray Taulagi and Tino Fa’asuamaleaui.
It added to an already special occasion for the 24-year-old Broncos forward, who also had his parents in the stands at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
“It has been a hell of a year and it was just an awesome experience to do it with a couple of guys that I grew up playing footy with in Harry and Rubes,” Carrigan said.
“Being here with some childhood mates and some special players as well, it’s crazy.
The Fijians are…
