Patrick Carrigan sells NRL to America in remarkable move from iconic US newspaper

The American newspaper famous for one of the most memorable headlines in media history has run a 1000-word feature on Broncos star Patrick Carrigan in an indication the NRL is gaining some traction in the busiest sports market in the world. Two months before the NRL kicks off its 2024 season in Las Vegas, the New York Post's veteran sports writer Steve Serby conducted an extensive Q and A with Carrigan.

The video and accompanying online piece covered Carrigan's career to date, the Vegas venture and even his love for Subway before matches. The story ran alongside articles on the NBA, NFL and MLB, giving the NRL valuable exposure ahead of the historic Manly v Souths/Brisbane v Roosters double header at Allegiant Stadium in early March.

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The New York Post is the fourth most-read publication in the US, claiming to reach 90 million readers a month through its print and online platforms. It is famous for its 1983 headline "Headless Body in Topless Bar", covering a story of a grisly murder in a dingy strip club in Queens.

Serby dubbed Carrigan "the Brisbane Sinatra" for doing things his own way and urged American fans to look out for him when the Broncos take on the Roosters. "Carrigan will be hard to miss with his charisma and his long hair and iron will to win championships for the hometown team he worshipped as a five-year-old boy," Serby wrote.

"The 6-foot-3, 233-pound Carrigan, who turns 26 next month, plays lock, a second-row forward/enforcer in a sport that demands relishing contact and withstanding collisions. Carrigan comes off as mature for his age, laughs and jokes easily, and incorporates Subway sandwiches as part of his routine. Comfortable in his own skin, Carrigan almost sounds like the Brisbane Sinatra - because he likes to do things his way."

Patrick Carrigan selling the NRL to American audience

Carrigan does a good job of selling the NRL to the Post's American audience, predicting "fireworks" in the competition's first offshore venture outside of New Zealand. He said: "It’s gonna be massive. From my travels, I’ve experienced firsthand how much people love sports and (rugby league) is quite different to the NFL.

"It’s a show that people can get excited for. We play the Roosters, they’re a pretty successful club, and have a lot of older guys and are a very aggressive, physical team, too.

"It is young, fresh, exciting. Tune in. There are gonna definitely be some fireworks in that game, and it’ll give you a true insight into the National Rugby League. It's exciting and cool for Australia to be able to showcase some of our athletes."

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