Ben Hunt Responds to Corey Parker’s Criticism
Ben Hunt has responded to former Brisbane Broncos teammate Corey Parker’s comments about his performance, despite Parker suggesting that the veteran playmaker should retire at the end of the season. Hunt, who is 36 years old and turning 37 in March next year, has publicly expressed his desire to continue playing in 2027. He is currently in negotiations with the Broncos for a new one-year deal.
While Hunt’s future remains uncertain, 22-year-old playmaker Tom Duffy recently signed a two-year contract, securing his position with the club until the end of 2028. This move highlights the team’s focus on developing younger talent.
Parker, who played alongside Hunt for over a decade at the Broncos, including the 2015 NRL grand final, recently told The Courier Mail that Hunt was “playing some average football” and appeared “slow.” Despite this criticism, Parker emphasized that he is a big fan of Hunt and respects his contributions to the game.
“I’m Ben Hunt’s biggest fan. I love him and I love everything about his game,” Parker said. “You don’t want people saying, ‘Hunty went one year too long,’ or, ‘The game’s gone past him.’ I really wouldn’t like that for him. I’d be more inclined not to sign him.”
Parker also suggested that salary-cap money would be better spent on young players such as middle forward Xavier Willison and winger Phillip Coates. He noted that the Broncos already have four hookers on their books, excluding Hunt.
When asked on 4BC radio if external criticism like Parker’s frustrated him, Hunt said it used to bother him when he was younger, but he has since learned to ignore the noise.
“In my younger days at the Broncos, it was just so consistent, the outside noise, and if you can’t sort of turn your back to it, then it’s just going to drag you down, so I’ve just gotten used to it over the years.”
Hunt also addressed whether he had reached out to Parker about his comments. He confirmed that he had not, acknowledging that Parker now works in radio and is entitled to his opinions.
“All these ex-players have got their opinions on what should be going on in and out of clubs, and they probably don’t know what actually is going on inside the clubs because they’re not in there,” Hunt said. “But they’re entitled to their opinions.”
Hunt recently reaffirmed his desire to play on next year, with his sights set on the No.7 jersey. The halfback spot will be vacated by captain Adam Reynolds at the end of the season, and it is expected that young gun Jonah Pezet will claim the position upon his return from a one-year stint at Parramatta. Pezet will partner Ezra Mam in the halves.
However, the reigning premiers are struggling, sitting in 14th place on the ladder after 15 rounds. Head coach Michael Maguire’s team has a bye this week before facing the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on June 26.
Hunt has made an impressive career, playing 365 NRL games—the equal-third-most matches in Australian first-grade history alongside Daly Cherry-Evans. His legacy continues to shape the sport, even as he faces ongoing scrutiny and debate about his future.
