A selfie of two NRL stars on holiday in Bali has left football fans furious over a small detail, after the image resurfaced almost a year after it was taken.
The photo of Brisbane Broncos players Pat Carrigan and Jordan Riki relaxing on the Indonesian island after the 2023 season was reposted on Monday by Channel Nine commentator and Canterbury Bulldogs general manager of football Phil ‘Gus’ Gould.
The two-time champion and former NSW Origin coach was up to some mischief after the Bulldogs defeated the Broncos 41-16 in Brisbane 11 days ago.
“Bro, the season isn’t even over and the Brisbane Broncos are already in Bali,” Gould wrote alongside the selfie with the hashtag #MadMonday.
But Gould’s good-natured joke sparked hundreds of comments from eagle-eyed fans who spotted Carrigan’s black-painted toenails in the image.
The two stars were photographed half-naked sitting on the stairs of their accommodation.
“I don’t know about this whole painting your nails thing as a man,” one commenter wrote.
Another added: ‘Why do young people paint their nails these days?’
A photo of Brisbane Broncos NRL stars Pat Carrigan and Jordan Riki in Bali (pictured) resurfaced online on Monday after being shared by Phil Gould.
A third wrote: “Oh so cute Jordan painted Paddy’s toenails,” wrote a third.
A fourth joked: “This is how the hot guys in the competition play Gus. Getting their nails done while they’re at it.”
Others questioned Carrigan’s choice of toenail color.
“Keep up the great work guys, maybe next time wear pink nail polish or none at all,” one said.
“What’s with the black nail polish?” wrote another.
Others jumped to Carrigan and Riki’s defense.
“I’m jealous of handsome men,” wrote one woman.
Pat Carrigan of the Broncos offloads during the Brisbane Broncos vs Canterbury Bulldogs match at Suncorp Stadium on July 27, 2024 in Brisbane.
Jordan Riki of the Broncos runs with the ball during the Gold Coast Titans vs Brisbane Broncos match at Cbus Super Stadium on August 3, 2024 in Gold Coast.
Some users took Gould at her word when she said the selfie was new, before others quickly pointed out it was from last year’s offseason, sparking anger.
“As a sports commentator and supposed master of the game, isn’t this a bit childish?” one commentator said.
“Phil Gould, this is a pre-season photo. Don’t spread misinformation to get likes,” wrote another.
The Broncos followed up their loss to the Bulldogs with a 46-18 defeat to Queensland’s arch-rivals, the Gold Coast Titans.
With four games remaining in the regular season and the Broncos 14th in the standings and six points off the top eight, Carrigan and Riki could be back in Bali within weeks.