Ben Hunt’s return to Queensland with the Brisbane Broncos has added an exciting new dynamic to the club. Michael Maguire’s decision to pursue the veteran halfback appears to have been heavily influenced by the glowing recommendations from Hunt’s representative teammates, who highlighted his leadership, versatility, and experience. At 34 years old, Hunt’s reported two-year deal worth $600,000 per season reflects the Broncos’ belief in his ability to contribute both on and off the field as they look to build on their recent success.
Maguire’s discussions with Hunt about playing both as a hooker (No.9) and in the halves demonstrate the strategic flexibility Hunt brings to the squad. While Brisbane’s halves pairing of Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam has been one of the most consistent and effective in the NRL over the past two seasons, Hunt’s addition provides valuable depth and options. His ability to slot in at dummy-half or cover for Reynolds or Mam if needed ensures the Broncos have experienced backup in critical positions, especially in a long and grueling season.
Hunt’s move also fulfills his desire to finish his NRL career back in Queensland, where he first rose to prominence. His wealth of experience, including his leadership as captain of the Dragons and his representative achievements, will undoubtedly bolster the Broncos’ squad, particularly in mentoring younger players and maintaining a high-performance culture.
The challenge for Maguire will be integrating Hunt into a well-settled team dynamic without disrupting the existing synergy, but his versatility and professionalism should make the transition smooth.
Ezra Mam’s potential absence at the start of the NRL season could offer Ben Hunt an immediate opportunity to step into the halves alongside Adam Reynolds. This pairing would bring together two seasoned playmakers with complementary skill sets, creating a formidable and experienced combination for the Broncos. Hunt’s ability to manage a game, combined with Reynolds’ elite kicking game and leadership, could help Brisbane maintain a high standard as they await Mam’s return.
Hunt’s move back to Brisbane, while aligning with his desire to return to Queensland, reportedly came with challenges. After years of living in Sydney with his young family, relocating to Brisbane required significant personal adjustments. Reports suggested Hunt was initially hesitant about uprooting his family, highlighting the complexities of balancing professional and personal commitments.
On the professional side, Hunt needed a role that aligned with the final two years of his career. His time as Dragons captain ended under scrutiny, with some questioning his leadership during a difficult period for the club. However, Hunt’s wealth of experience and resilience in the face of such criticism could prove invaluable to the Broncos, both on the field and in the locker room.
By joining Brisbane, Hunt not only fulfills his wish to return to Queensland but also positions himself in a squad with a strong culture and a clear pathway to contribute. Whether as a starting halfback alongside Reynolds, a versatile utility player, or a leader guiding younger talent, Hunt’s role at the Broncos appears to be a well-considered fit for both parties.
Ben Hunt’s tumultuous 2024 season with the Dragons set the stage for his eventual move to the Brisbane Broncos. His performances during the Dragons’ late-season collapse, which saw the team fall out of finals contention, drew heavy criticism. As part of the season review, Hunt, on a $1 million-a-year contract, reportedly faced pointed feedback about his defensive lapses, inconsistent kicking game, and perceived shortcomings in leadership when the team needed him most. This criticism, compounded by what Danny Weidler described as “salary shaming,” left Hunt feeling deeply hurt and disrespected.
Despite this challenging period, Hunt’s reputation among his representative teammates was a key factor in his recruitment by Brisbane. Michael Maguire revealed that his decision to pursue Hunt was influenced by glowing reports from Hunt’s Queensland and Kangaroos colleagues, particularly during the recent Kangaroos camp. Their praise highlighted Hunt’s leadership, professionalism, and ability to positively influence the locker room, even when not on the field.
“His character in the change room is going to be enormous,” Maguire said on SEN Radio. “I was fortunate to talk to a few of the guys in the last Australian campaign. Everyone tells me how much of a great leader and presence that he had, but he didn’t play.”
While Brisbane’s tight salary cap made Hunt’s acquisition a calculated risk, Maguire believed his character and versatility justified the move. Hunt’s experience and leadership qualities, praised by players who have shared high-stakes environments with him, could help offset the challenges he faced at the Dragons. At the Broncos, he has the opportunity to rebuild his legacy and contribute to a team poised for success, while proving his critics wrong.
Michael Maguire’s glowing endorsement of Ben Hunt further emphasizes the veteran’s value beyond the on-field statistics. Speaking on SEN Radio, Maguire highlighted Hunt’s integral role in team dynamics, even when he wasn’t directly contributing on the field. “That says a fair bit about his character. Everyone was telling me that he was a big part of the success that just happened, but he didn’t even kick the footy. That’s the part I have enjoyed talking with Ben Hunt about, but his football does the talking. He is a world-class player,” Maguire remarked.
The endorsement of Broncos stars like Payne Haas, Reece Walsh, and Patrick Carrigan, who have all shared representative duties with Hunt at either State of Origin or international levels, underscores the respect Hunt commands among elite players. Carrigan, in particular, was a teammate of Hunt’s during the Kangaroos’ victorious Pacific Championship campaign, further reinforcing Hunt’s impact in high-pressure environments.
Hunt’s presence in the Broncos’ setup offers more than just tactical versatility; it brings a wealth of experience and leadership that can influence the squad’s culture and younger players’ development. With Maguire valuing these intangibles, Hunt has an opportunity to make a significant contribution to a team with lofty aspirations while silencing the doubts stemming from his challenging final season with the Dragons.
Ben Hunt looking at life after Broncos footy
Ben Hunt’s two-year contract with the Brisbane Broncos, reportedly worth $1.2 million, also includes a transition plan for his post-playing career. The Broncos have offered Hunt a job following his retirement, a move permitted under the NRL salary cap rules. According to these rules, a player’s final-year payment can include off-cap earnings for a documented and market-rate role designed to ease their transition into retirement. This arrangement reflects the club’s confidence in Hunt’s value both on and off the field.
News Corp’s report about the retirement role has fueled speculation that Hunt might already be preparing for life after football. The move to Brisbane also allows Hunt and his family to be closer to their roots in Queensland, which could further signal a long-term transition. However, Broncos coach Michael Maguire has been quick to dismiss any notion that Hunt is winding down his career or looking to “coast” through his final seasons.
“Hunt’s professionalism and commitment to excellence have been widely praised by his representative teammates and reaffirmed by Maguire,” the coach stated. With Hunt’s leadership and versatility set to play a pivotal role in the Broncos’ campaign, the veteran halfback has a clear opportunity to leave a lasting legacy at the club before transitioning into his post-playing career.
This dual-purpose agreement could be a win-win for the Broncos, securing an experienced playmaker for the next two years while benefiting from his leadership and expertise in a mentoring or ambassadorial role once his playing days are over.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire has expressed satisfaction with the club’s unified approach in securing Ben Hunt, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the veteran halfback’s recruitment. Speaking to SEN Radio, Maguire shared his optimism about the team’s direction and Hunt’s potential role in shaping the club’s future.
“I was very pleased with the organisation. Being able to present to a player and show them where we are going. It’s nice to see an organisation all on the same page… exciting times. We also know we have plenty of work to do. That’s one thing my talk to Benny was about,” Maguire said.
Maguire emphasized that Hunt is fully aware of the challenges ahead and the effort required to elevate the Broncos to the next level. With the team already entrenched in a rigorous preseason, the focus is on building a culture of resilience and unity. “He understands what is ahead of us. The work we need to put in. The boys are hard at it, at the moment, and we have to create a culture that is going to galvanise every day. He will be a big part of that progression,” Maguire added.
Hunt’s arrival is not just about his on-field contributions; it’s also about his ability to foster a strong team culture. With his leadership and experience, Hunt is poised to play a significant role in helping the Broncos build a cohesive and competitive squad for the upcoming NRL seasons.