Ben Hunt’s Determination to Play on as Halfback
Ben Hunt, a veteran rugby league player, has made it clear that he is eager to continue his career into the next season, 18 years after making his NRL debut. His goal is to play at halfback, a position he has held for much of his career. However, if he hopes to secure the No.7 jersey for the opening round of the next season, he will need to compete with young talents like Tom Duffy and Jonah Pezet.
Tom Duffy has shown promise in his limited time wearing the Broncos jersey this season, while Jonah Pezet, who is set to join the team, has also impressed. With Adam Reynolds set to retire at the end of the season, Michael Maguire will be looking for a new halfback to fill the void.
Despite the competition, Hunt has expressed his desire to take on the halfback role in what could be his final season in rugby league. He recently spoke about his intentions on Nine’s 100% Footy program, stating, “Definitely keen to play on. We’re in negotiations now and hoping to have something sorted out pretty soon.”
The Broncos faced a tough loss in their recent match against the Sea Eagles at Brookvale Oval, with a final score of 32-4. With Reynolds unavailable due to concussion, Maguire opted for Hunt at halfback instead of Duffy. The 36-year-old struggled to make an impact, and many Broncos players failed to perform well.
Following the defeat, Wide World of Sports’ The Mole suggested that Maguire might consider asking Reynolds to reconsider his retirement and play one more season in 2027. There are similarities between Reynolds’ halfback play and that of legendary Broncos general Allan Langer, and some believe the club may need him to delay his retirement.
Hunt, however, has made it clear to Maguire that he wants to take on the halfback role in his final season. “That’s my preferred position and I’ll be pushing in the pre-season to do that,” he said. Hunt was previously the Broncos’ halfback before his move to St George Illawarra after the 2017 season.
He acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “It’s going to be a fair battle between the old boy and the young fellas,” hinting at the competition with Duffy and Pezet.
Reynolds is set to return for the Broncos’ clash with the Warriors in Magic Round on Sunday afternoon, with the team aiming to break a two-game losing streak. However, there are concerns about the forward pack, with several key players unavailable.
Payne Haas (knee), Corey Jensen (lung), Brendan Piakura (knee), and Ben Te Kura (NFL trial) are all out. Additionally, winger Deine Mariner is undergoing limb-saving emergency surgery, and centre Kotoni Staggs is serving a two-game suspension for a high shot on the Roosters’ Hugo Savala.
The Broncos will need to regroup and focus on their upcoming matches, with Hunt determined to prove himself as a viable halfback option. His experience and leadership could be crucial in the team’s efforts to bounce back from their recent losses.
