Ben Hunt’s homecoming to the Broncos is as much about redemption as it is a restoration mission.
A decade on from when his grand final knock-on became a thing of rugby league nightmares, the State of Origin champion has returned, alongside new coach Michael Maguire, to help overturn the club’s horror 12-month capitulation.
As he prepares to don the Brisbane colours for the first time since 2017 in his side’s Preseason Challenge clash with the Bulldogs, Hunt launches his Red Hill comeback intent on writing the wrongs of 2015, when Johnathan Thurston’s field goal stole premiership glory from his clutches.
But there is more for the 34-year-old to navigate than a personal vendetta. The Broncos needed a cultural shift.
The axing of club legend Kevin Walters, the fallout of Ezra Mam’s unlicensed drug-driving charges, and a perception the young stars had allowed their hype to get the better of them have all played into their fall, which took them from within minutes of the 2023 title to the finals wilderness.
It is a daunting task that Hunt is relishing as he readies to forge one of the NRL’s oldest halves pairings alongside Adam Reynolds.
“There are a lot of exciting, young, electric players in this team, so if we [Reynolds and I] can come together and just bring a calmness to the group and really control our footy, I think that’s going to benefit us the most,” Hunt said.
“There was always a part of me that wanted to come back, but then there’s always a part that never thought it would happen. To come back and finish my career here and go out with the premiership is what dreams are made of, so that’s the ultimate goal.”
Having signed a two-year deal through to the end of 2026, Hunt’s Broncos tenure is expected to extend beyond his on-field exploits.
Reynolds appears poised to hang up his boots in 2025, leaving Brisbane’s succession plan in the hands of Hunt, and the way he continues the education of Coby Black.
At just 18, Black has been considered the long-term No.7, impressing in five Queensland Cup games for Souths Logan Magpies with six try assists and four line-break assists.
Black is signed for the same period as Hunt, giving him two seasons to prove he’s the man to steer the ship for the next decade.
That fate is no guarantee.
“That’s up to him if he wants to take that opportunity. With Madge, you have to earn everything – nothing is just given,” Broncos centre Delouise Hoeter said.
“He’s been doing that in the last few months, and I’m sure if he works hard enough, he’ll be more than capable.
“Ben Hunt has been great for him. Everyone knows his experience and what he’s done in the game, so Coby’s done well to learn from him.”
But Hunt had seen enough to believe Black had the tools to flourish, as he sought to guide the Marsden State High School product to the heights prophesied of him.
“I wanted to help him with his kicking, but I think he’s got me covered already,” Hunt gushed.
“It’s just little technique things and timing of when to play and when not to play [we’ve been working on]. We’ve had little video things we’ve had a look at, and he’s got a bright future ahead of him.
“It’s definitely something I’m excited about embracing. There are some really talented young guys here in the halves and hooker, and if I can help them in any way, I’m open to doing it.”
Sydney Morning Herald
