30/03/2026
COREY PARKER SAYS SIGNING WITH PNG CHIEFS IS A ‘NO BRAINER’ FOR NATHAN CLEARY AND PAT CARRIGAN
Brisbane star Pat Carrigan will find it impossible to knock back a potential $5 million offer from the PNG Chiefs and could leave the club, according to a club legend.
Former Broncos captain Corey Parker believes Carrigan and Penrith champion Nathan Cleary “simply can’t say no” to the prospect of tax-free monster deals as the Origin and Test duo weigh up their long-term futures.
Carrigan again demonstrated his importance to the Broncos on Friday night, winning the Battle Medal with a man-of-the-match performance in Brisbane’s 26-12 derby defeat of the Dolphins.
Earlier this month, Carrigan said he wouldn’t rule out a move to Papua New Guinea, while Cleary this week said was he was open to offers from November 1 - opening the door for a Chiefs raid.
Broncos bosses will do everything possible to keep Carrigan, but Parker says the Queensland ironman, who was groomed to replace him in the Brisbane No.13 jumper, faces giving up millions to remain at Red Hill.
“You are dumb as three bricks if you don’t consider the money from PNG,” Parker said.
“The fact Pat and Nathan Cleary haven’t slammed the door suggests they are open to it and the Chiefs should be asking the question.
“This is a great opportunity for them to go to PNG if there is tax-free money on the table.
“I’m not disputing Pat’s commitment to Brisbane and passion for the Broncos, but it’s going to be one of those life-changing decisions or opportunities that you simply can’t say no to.
He's not married. He doesn't have kids.
There’s nothing holding him back in Australia to the Brisbane Broncos.
I'm just be realistic and putting in myself in Pat's position.
“There’s two types of currencies in rugby league - premierships and money
And Pat won a premiereship last year.
If PNG offered Pat Carrigan a four-year deal worth say $1.3 million a season, that’s $5 million ... all tax free.
“How could Pat Carrigan say no that?
“To me it would be an offer simply too good to refuse.”
It’s understood Chiefs hierarchy have identified Carrigan as a prospective signing, but the champion lock is off-contract in 2028, meaning he wouldn’t be available until PNG’s second season.
Carrigan will be 30 when he become a free agent on November 1 next year and the Broncos captain-in-waiting is acutely aware the next deal he signs could be his last NRL contract.
The tax-free implications for Carrigan and Cleary are head-spinning.
A $1.3 million deal with the Broncos would see Carrigan pay $581,638 in tax annually. Over a four-year term, Carrigan would pocket an extra $2.3 million by joining tax-free PNG.
For Cleary, who could earn $1.5 million a season, a deal of that magnitude with Penrith would cost him $675,638 in tax. Over a four-year term with the Chiefs, the 28-year-old would receive an extra $2.7 million in his bank account.
“This is ground-breaking money, this is like Super League all over again,” Parker said.
“The money guys like Carrigan and Cleary can make by going to PNG is massive.
“Over a four or five year deal a player like Carrigan will make millions more which sets you up for life.
“It (tax-free dollars) is an unbelievable weapon the Chiefs have.
“It’s basically two years of pay for one year of work without the tax component.
“Pat will come off-contract at 30. He has a premiership ring on his finger and if the next NRL deal is his last, how does he say no to this?
“Patty’s loyalty to the Broncos can never be questioned, but if he signed with PNG for millions, all tax free, I don’t think a single person on the planet would question his loyalty.
“It’s a no-brainer.”
Via: Code Sports
