Patrick Carrigan

The decision came after a 90-minute hearing by the NRL judiciary on Tuesday night.

It means the Broncos will be without Carrigan until the last week of the regular competition. But it means Carrigan will be free to play assuming the Broncos make the finals.

Brisbane is currently fifth on the NRL ladder. 

Carrigan had pleaded guilty to a dangerous contact charge for an incident in the 73rd minute of Brisbane's shock 32-18 loss to the Tigers last Saturday night. Hastings was bent back over Carrigan, with his ankle twisting underneath.

The 23-year-old touted as the club’s future captain said to Broncos.com his rehab is on track, allowing him to look towards a playing date.

“The knee is good and the aim is to be back after Christmas and right to go for Round 1,” Carrigan said.

“It’s been a bit of a journey and a learning curve with it being my first major injury but I’ve been taking it as it comes and enjoying the process, and I cant wait to get back on the field.