Super Freak
International Captain
Forum Staff
- Jan 25, 2014
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WAYNE Bennett has ruled out sending halfback Ben Hunt to the Dragons this season.
Bennett said he backed the NRL’s $6 million man to fire in Brisbane before heading south next year.
The Broncos coach has broken a month-long silence on Hunt in a bid to scupper speculation he fears could spiral out of control.
The NRL’s most successful coach used his annual address at Brisbane’s season launch on Friday night to deliver a public show of support for Hunt.
The former Test playmaker will join the Dragons next season on a five-year deal. Cowboys champion Johnathan Thurston has warned Hunt faces enormous public scrutiny this season, while Queensland legend Billy Moore has called for the Broncos to send him to the Dragons immediately.
Bennett insists Hunt will honour his Broncos deal and will not compromise his standards as Brisbane try to snap an 11-year title drought this season.
“One personal issue is Ben Hunt,” Bennett said.
“Before the speculation gets away and things get out of control … Ben is committed to the club for the rest of the season.
“We’re committed to him and nothing is going to change in that department.
“He is in his 10th year with the club, he has been a wonderful servant for us.
“I enjoy coaching him, he understands what the Broncos are about and one thing I know is that Ben will always be doing his best.”
Bennett has such faith in Hunt that the Broncos are reshaping their offence this season to place more responsibility on the Maroons hopeful and his halves partner Anthony Milford.
Hunt and Milford are under firm instructions to run the ball and straighten Brisbane’s attack this season — starting against the Sharks in the season opener on Thursday night.
Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith has worked with Hunt and Milford in Origin camps and believes the halfback will benefit from having sorted out his future.
“For me, Ben announcing he is going to the Dragons will actually take the pressure off him,” Smith said.
“His future is settled and I hope Hunty now just backs himself.
“When the Broncos went to the grand final (in 2015), he was a massive reason why they made the decider.
“He’s a quality player and he’s on the cusp of Origin, so my advice to Ben is to have the confidence in himself to keep playing well.”
Bookmakers have installed Brisbane as equal favourites to win the premiership, but Bennett warned Hunt and his troops against complacency.
“You need a commitment that is total and the only way to manage that is by doing your best every week,” Bennett said.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...t/news-story/370fe57ef6484a8fe644dac591f1b3ca
Bennett said he backed the NRL’s $6 million man to fire in Brisbane before heading south next year.
The Broncos coach has broken a month-long silence on Hunt in a bid to scupper speculation he fears could spiral out of control.
The NRL’s most successful coach used his annual address at Brisbane’s season launch on Friday night to deliver a public show of support for Hunt.
The former Test playmaker will join the Dragons next season on a five-year deal. Cowboys champion Johnathan Thurston has warned Hunt faces enormous public scrutiny this season, while Queensland legend Billy Moore has called for the Broncos to send him to the Dragons immediately.
Bennett insists Hunt will honour his Broncos deal and will not compromise his standards as Brisbane try to snap an 11-year title drought this season.
“One personal issue is Ben Hunt,” Bennett said.
“Before the speculation gets away and things get out of control … Ben is committed to the club for the rest of the season.
“We’re committed to him and nothing is going to change in that department.
“He is in his 10th year with the club, he has been a wonderful servant for us.
“I enjoy coaching him, he understands what the Broncos are about and one thing I know is that Ben will always be doing his best.”
Bennett has such faith in Hunt that the Broncos are reshaping their offence this season to place more responsibility on the Maroons hopeful and his halves partner Anthony Milford.
Hunt and Milford are under firm instructions to run the ball and straighten Brisbane’s attack this season — starting against the Sharks in the season opener on Thursday night.
Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith has worked with Hunt and Milford in Origin camps and believes the halfback will benefit from having sorted out his future.
“For me, Ben announcing he is going to the Dragons will actually take the pressure off him,” Smith said.
“His future is settled and I hope Hunty now just backs himself.
“When the Broncos went to the grand final (in 2015), he was a massive reason why they made the decider.
“He’s a quality player and he’s on the cusp of Origin, so my advice to Ben is to have the confidence in himself to keep playing well.”
Bookmakers have installed Brisbane as equal favourites to win the premiership, but Bennett warned Hunt and his troops against complacency.
“You need a commitment that is total and the only way to manage that is by doing your best every week,” Bennett said.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...t/news-story/370fe57ef6484a8fe644dac591f1b3ca
