The Brisbane Broncos have reportedly opened talks with lock forward Patrick Carrigan regarding a contract extension and substantial pay increase, as the club looks to secure one of its most influential players for the long term.
The Queensland Maroons Origin representative and emerging club leader is currently under contract through the end of the 2028 season, with a contract extension not presently a top priority for Carrigan.
A key concern is that the deal Carrigan signed in 2023 is believed to be well below what he could command in today’s market.
The 27-year-old is thought to earn around $750,000 per season — a strong contract by NRL standards, but significantly lower than what elite locks such as Cameron Murray, Jake Trbojevic, and Isaah Yeo receive.
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Had he been willing to leave the Broncos, where he has spent all seven of his NRL seasons, he could likely command a seven-figure deal.
According to News Corp, Carrigan’s management has initiated talks with the Broncos to align his salary with the value he brings to the club, although it has been made clear that leaving the Broncos is not an option if an agreement isn’t reached.
“Pat is very happy at the Broncos and we're having some chats at the moment on an upgrade,” Carrigan's manager Jeff Jurotte told the media outlet.
While both the player and the club are reportedly keen to reach an agreement, salary cap pressures could complicate negotiations over a pay rise.
Brisbane is heavily invested in re-signing Payne Haas, who is off-contract at the end of 2026 and eligible to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1.
The Broncos also have significant funds committed to key players including Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, Ben Hunt, Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam, Jordan Riki, and Brendan Piakura, raising questions about how Carrigan’s situation will be managed.