Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Queensland has suffered a significant injury setback ahead of State of Origin II with Pat Carrigan and Gehamat Shibasaki both ruled out of the Maroons squad. The Brisbane Broncos teammates sustained injuries during Sunday’s 30 26 loss to St George Illawarra, forcing Queensland selectors into changes before the series continues at the MCG on June 17.
Carrigan’s absence is particularly significant given the forward has become one of Queensland’s most reliable Origin performers.
The Maroons now face important decisions regarding their forward rotation and interchange balance as they attempt to level the series after losing Origin I.
Carrigan suffers syndesmosis injury
Carrigan left Suncorp Stadium wearing a moon boot following Brisbane’s defeat and subsequent scans confirmed a syndesmosis injury.
The injury is expected to sideline the forward for approximately three to four weeks.
Carrigan played the opening stages against the Dragons before first leaving the field after 32 minutes.
He later attempted to return.
After spending time on an exercise bike during the second half and receiving treatment, Carrigan returned briefly but lasted only around 10 more minutes.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire explained the decision to send him back onto the field.
“It’s some sort of ankle sprain,” Maguire said.
“Patty felt he was OK to go back out there, they assessed him and strapped him up, but you could just sense he was struggling a little bit.”
The injury ends an impressive run for Carrigan, who has now appeared in 13 consecutive Origin matches since debuting in 2022.
Shibasaki ruled out for remainder of series
Shibasaki also suffered disappointing news after medical assessments confirmed a grade two MCL injury.
The Broncos outside back is expected to miss between five and six weeks.
Unlike Carrigan, Shibasaki did not take the field during Origin I despite being named on Queensland’s interchange bench.
His injury means he will miss the remainder of the series entirely.
The setback interrupts what had been an important period for Shibasaki after earning selection in the Maroons environment.
Queensland selectors must now find replacements for both squad depth and versatility ahead of the second match.
Maroons have several replacement options
Queensland does possess multiple pathways to cover Carrigan’s absence.
Reuben Cotter shapes as one obvious solution.
Although Cotter started in the second row during Origin I, he has extensive experience playing through the middle and could shift roles.
Such a move could create space for Dolphins forward Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.
Finefeuiaki served as 20th man for Origin I and remains firmly in contention.
North Queensland forward Heilum Luki also presents another option if selectors prefer a like for like edge replacement.
Squad announcement approaching quickly
Queensland selectors are expected to finalise the squad after round 14 concludes this weekend.
With the Maroons already trailing in the series following a narrow 22 20 defeat in Sydney, the timing of the injuries creates additional pressure.
Origin II at the MCG now becomes even more important as Queensland attempts to keep the series alive without two important squad members.