PATRICK CARRIGAN admits he’s not getting swept up in the emotion of preparing for his second World Cup Final – with Australia taking on New Zealand on Sunday.
The 28-year-old was part of the Kangaroos’ winning squad in England back in 2022, and will be looking to add more international success to his CV.
After overcoming Samoa 44-12 in the semis, the Brisbane Broncos man will now have the chance to lift the trophy at his home ground.
“It’s a privilege to be there in a second World Cup final – ‘Always look forward’ is my motto because you’re only as good as your next performance,” Carrigan said.
“We’ll work hard this week because we’ve got a talented opposition, so it’s time to show up and turn it on for what I know will be a full house at Suncorp.
“I’m lucky that I get to play in Brisbane every week, and 55,000 there is a special feeling too.”
Kangaroos captain Isaah Yeo believes Australia hit their stride against Samoa, but knows further improvement will be needed.
“We just focus on our own job – ultimately you get to these games and have your best performance,” he said.
“In those first three weeks, I felt we were really building. The way the first game kicked off against New Zealand was a wonderful spectacle.
“We’ve built off the back of the last two weeks and just narrowed down some things we want to focus on, both in defence and attack, and I think we nailed those tonight.
“We’re still chasing our best game, and we’ll need to do that come Sunday night, but I’m looking forward to this week’s prep.
“New Zealand have been building as well, so it makes for a wonderful match-up and is fitting for a World Cup final.”
