What REALLY happened in public scuffle between Broncos teammates Adam Reynolds and Pat Carrigan – as stars ‘take full responsibility’ for drunken conduct
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds and teammate Pat Carrigan have tried to ‘own’ their behavior after they almost got into a fight at party venue Fortitude Valley on Sunday.
The development comes as the duo are set to be fined by the NRL and Brisbane after Queensland Police opted not to arrest the star duo over their drunken arrest.
Both faced the media on Tuesday, with Carrigan stating he was keen to take ‘full responsibility’ for his behaviour, while Reynolds, 33, added he was ’embarrassed’.
He also acknowledged that his behavior “does not reflect well in the public eye.”
“It’s obviously not ideal behavior that I’m proud of,” lock forward Carrigan told reporters. “But as a club we are moving forward and I stand side by side with Adam.”
The scuffle between Carrigan and Reynolds – which reportedly infuriated coach Kevin Walters – took place just hours after the club hosted their annual fans day at Red Hill, with more than 8,000 supporters on hand to meet their heroes.
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds begged teammate Pat Carrigan to take a taxi home just before the pair were filmed ‘wrestling’ at party venue Fortitude Valley on Sunday
The scuffle between Carrigan and Reynolds – which reportedly infuriated coach Kevin Walters – took place just hours after the club hosted their annual fans day at Red Hill.
Despite the negative headlines, the teammates are not expected to be stood down for Brisbane’s season opener against the Roosters in Las Vegas on March 3 (AEDT).
It is understood the NRL Integrity Unit is reviewing the footage, which showed the drunken footballers about to exchange punches after a drinking session.
According to News Corppolice patrolling the area interviewed both players on the spot and ordered them to go home immediately – after choosing not to arrest them both.
Brisbane chairman Karl Morris said the incident was “very disappointing”.
“It’s so close to the start of the season and we have always believed that alcohol is not a performance enhancing drug,” he said.
‘I’m not going to make excuses for it. These guys should know better.”
Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy held crisis meetings with Reynolds and Carrigan on Monday – and denied the club has a culture problem.
‘The players are aware of the professional standards we expect, but that was clearly not adhered to in this case.
“But in recent years we have seen a lot of growth in improving our environment and culture.
Carrigan recently re-signed with the club until at least the end of the 2028 season and is seen as a captain
Reynolds is in the final year of his big deal with the Broncos but wants to extend his time at Red Hill
“This is definitely a step back, but the idea is to learn from it and get better, both on and off the field.”
According to multiple reports, Broncos players dined at MAYA Mexican restaurant and bar in the heart of Brisbane’s entertainment strip in Fortitude Valley.
Witnesses claim Carrigan was heavily intoxicated, with Reynolds – also drunk – trying to remove the Queensland Origin star from the venue by calling him a taxi.
An altercation then took place which broke out on the street outside in front of shocked onlookers.
Broncos stars Corey Oates and Reece Walsh were also on the scene trying to separate Reynolds and Carrigan.