Brian Patrick Carlson (12 February 1933 – 14 April 1987) was an Australian professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s and 1960s.

He represented for New South Wales that same season against Queensland in the 2nd game of the interstate series, and then against the touring New Zealanders.

He returned to the field in 1956 and 1957 accepting positions as player-coach firstly with Souths Newcastle then with Blackall, Queensland.

He was selected in the 1957 World Cup squad despite not being contracted to a club, having left Blackall in dispute over a release.

He played in three matches of the tournament, was top scorer with 28 points and named "Player of the 1957 World Cup".

Carlson signed a contract with the North Sydney Bears where he would stay for six years.

In 1959 Carlson played in the New South Wales loss to Queensland that attracted 35,261 spectators, smashing Brisbane's previous record for an interstate match of 22,817.