A magnificent debut State of Origin series for Queensland's Patrick Carrigan has ended with the back-rower collecting the Wally Lewis Medal as player of the series.
Carrigan, who started for the first time in Wednesday's decider, played a pivotal role as Queensland defied losing two players in the opening four minutes to claim a 22-12 win at Suncorp Stadium.
The Brisbane forward ended the match with 130 running metres and 45 tackles to his name in another barnstorming display after impressing on debut in Sydney then being one of Queensland's best in their game-two loss in Perth.
Carrigan's player of the series gong caps a wonderful return from an ACL injury which wrecked his 2021 season.
"I don't know what to say," a stunned Carrigan said on stage after the win.
"I just want to say a big thanks to the Queenslanders who came out tonight.
"It was a tough series and the first five minutes really showed what it was about."
