Broncos Veteran Ben Hunt Eyeing Extended NRL Career Amidst Club Shake-Up
The Brisbane Broncos are facing a significant period of transition, with key experienced players set to depart at the end of the current season. This impending change of guard has brought renewed focus on the future of veteran utility Ben Hunt, who appears open to extending his NRL career well beyond 2026.
The Red Hill club was recently rocked by the news that star forward Payne Haas has inked a three-year deal with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, commencing in 2027. This move will undoubtedly leave a substantial void in the Broncos’ formidable forward pack. Compounding this departure is the impending retirement of veteran halfback Adam Reynolds at the close of this year, signalling the end of an era for the Broncos’ leadership group.
Amidst these significant personnel changes, the Broncos may find a crucial piece of their future puzzle in the continued presence of Ben Hunt. The seasoned utility player has expressed his keenness to continue playing for as long as his body allows, fuelled by a lingering hunger for further success.
Speaking on his future, Hunt acknowledged the increased speculation surrounding his plans following Haas’s and Reynolds’ departures. “I seem to be getting that question a lot the last few days,” Hunt told the Courier Mail. “I haven’t made a decision at all. If I feel like I can keep playing on, I will – and at the moment I still feel like I can.” He added, “I know it’s only pre-season and we have a long season to go. But I’m feeling good, I still enjoy the game as much as ever.”
Hunt indicated that while a decision might be made in the coming weeks, his current mindset is focused on playing. “Look, I might get to a point during the year, or over the next four or five weeks, where I might make a call (to retire), but at the moment I honestly haven’t thought about giving it away.”
A New Generation Steps Up
The Broncos are already preparing for the future, with Jonah Pezet set to join the club next year, poised to eventually take over the reins from Adam Reynolds. Pezet, currently on a short-term deal with the Parramatta Eels, is widely regarded as the long-term halfback prospect for Brisbane from 2027 onwards.
Should Hunt opt to extend his career into 2025 and beyond, his invaluable experience and leadership would be instrumental in nurturing Pezet’s development. His presence could provide a crucial steadying influence, guiding the young playmaker as he establishes himself as a dominant force in the competition.
The Taste of Premiership Success
A significant motivator for Hunt’s continued desire to play is the intoxicating taste of last year’s drought-breaking premiership. The veteran admitted to periods of doubt during his career about whether he would ever experience the ultimate success.
“I started to doubt if it would ever happen for me,” Hunt confessed. “I had periods where I thought, ‘Is it time to give up on the dream?’, but I felt as long as I was healthy and fit, I would try to win a premiership, and it all fell into place for me last year.”
This triumph has ignited a renewed passion and a strong drive to replicate that feeling. “Now, the driving force for me is to get back there again,” he stated. “Once you get a taste of it, you want to get back there and do it all over again. I don’t know if it sounds greedy, but you work so hard to get one premiership, so you think, ‘Why not go for it again?’ I’m as driven and passionate and eager to get another premiership ring this year.”
Hunt is slated to start at hooker for the Broncos’ upcoming World Club Challenge fixture against Hull KR in the UK on February 19, marking the beginning of their quest for further silverware in the new season.
