Should the Broncos renew Hunt's contract

[Porthoz]

You had better have a word to the forward pack then ... tell them to get over the advantage line and make some meters. That way Hunt won't have to kick from inside his own half most of the time.

While you're at it, see if they would be so kind as to give us some quick play the balls (especially on the last) so maybe we could play off the front good, instead of the back.

I don't know how many times I have to repeat it, it's not his long kicking that worries me. That's actually one thing he does relatively well.

When we do have a quick play the ball on the 5th, which we often won't have (especially against the better teams), Hunt is actually very good at taking advantage of it, due to his great running game.

It's when we are in the last 20 of the opposition on the 5th against a set defense, where his glaring flaws come to the fore.
That's where a good halfback takes the line on, and depending on the circumstances, earns a repeat set, or reverses the direction of the attack and takes a pin point cross kick, or finds a hole to put one of his running players through.
These will be the circumstances in most games against the better teams, and where Hunt is definitely below average.

 

[Unbreakable]

I don't know how many times I have to repeat it, it's not his long kicking that worries me. That's actually one thing he does relatively well.

When we do have a quick play the ball on the 5th, which we often won't have (especially against the better teams), Hunt is actually very good at taking advantage of it, due to his great running game.

It's when we are in the last 20 of the opposition on the 5th against a set defense, where his glaring flaws come to the fore.
That's where a good halfback takes the line on, and depending on the circumstances, earns a repeat set, or reverses the direction of the attack and takes a pin point cross kick, or finds a hole to put one of his running players through.
These will be the circumstances in most games against the better teams, and where Hunt is definitely below average.

I'm honestly pretty surprised it's seemingly you & I against the world when it comes to Hunt, I completely agree with everything you're saying, to me it's glaringly obvious that he's shocking when it comes to 5th tackle options and kicks within 20 metres of the oppositions goal line. As you've mentioned, we rate his running and long range kicking game quite highly, we're just criticising other parts of his game which need some serious attention.

Maybe we're just completely terrible at judging what's good and what isn't, maybe Hunt is actually really good at the things we're criticising him about, I've had that many people tell me I'm wrong about it on here that I'm starting to second guess myself. :lol:

 

[Foordy]

I'm honestly pretty surprised it's seemingly you & I against the world when it comes to Hunt, I completely agree with everything you're saying, to me it's glaringly obvious that he's shocking when it comes to 5th tackle options and kicks within 20 metres of the oppositions goal line. As you've mentioned, we rate his running and long range kicking game quite highly, we're just criticising other parts of his game which need some serious attention.

Maybe we're just completely terrible at judging what's good and what isn't, maybe Hunt is actually really good at the things we're criticising him about, I've had that many people tell me I'm wrong about it on here that I'm starting to second guess myself. :lol:

Alfie Langer is also saying you're wrong and that Hunt is vital to our future success :)

 

[Porthoz]

I'm honestly pretty surprised it's seemingly you & I against the world when it comes to Hunt, I completely agree with everything you're saying, to me it's glaringly obvious that he's shocking when it comes to 5th tackle options and kicks within 20 metres of the oppositions goal line. As you've mentioned, we rate his running and long range kicking game quite highly, we're just criticising other parts of his game which need some serious attention.

Maybe we're just completely terrible at judging what's good and what isn't, maybe Hunt is actually really good at the things we're criticising him about, I've had that many people tell me I'm wrong about it on here that I'm starting to second guess myself. :lol:

That's the funny thing though. I can't remember anyone saying he is really good at the things we're criticising. Have you?

 

[Foordy]

[MENTION=2221]Porthoz[/MENTION] we keep going around in circles with neither of us being able to change the others opinion ... so, i will bow out of this argument gracefully.

You keep enjoying you Hunt hate and dreaming of the second coming, Ash Taylor, once again playing for the Broncos.

While I'll keep enjoying watching one of the best halfbacks pulling on our colours.
[emoji2]

 

[Nashy]

I'm struggling to get past the bit where Hunt is seemingly the better players, but these worse players would be better in one or two things. If we did that, [MENTION=2221]Porthoz[/MENTION] would only whinge about the amount of things the new inferior player can't do. But he can kick.

 

[Porthoz]

@Porthoz we keep going around in circles with neither of us being able to change the others opinion ... so, i will bow out of this argument gracefully.

You keep enjoying you Hunt hate and dreaming of the second coming, Ash Taylor, once again playing for the Broncos.

While I'll keep enjoying watching one of the best halfbacks pulling on our colours.
[emoji2]

I don't hate Hunt at all, but keep telling yourself that, while ignoring his flaws...
Just one question though, do you deny this?

It's when we are in the last 20 of the opposition on the 5th against a set defense, where his glaring flaws come to the fore.That's where a good halfback takes the line on, and depending on the circumstances, earns a repeat set, or reverses the direction of the attack and takes a pin point cross kick, or finds a hole to put one of his running players through.
These will be the circumstances in most games against the better teams, and where Hunt is definitely below average.

Or do you just think that the best halfbacks can go without that?

I'm struggling to get past the bit where Hunt is seemingly the better players, but these worse players would be better in one or two things. If we did that, @Porthoz would only whinge about the amount of things the new inferior player can't do. But he can kick.

No, I wouldn't. The problem is that every team needs these fundamental attributes in at least one of his halves, and the Broncos do not have that, so I'm willing to take a lesser player, because it will strengthen the team by giving it more options.

If we didn't have Milford, I would want a player capable of doing it to pair... Ben Hunt!

 

[Kyall]

He has one of the best long kicking games in the nrl. And was in the top 3 for try assists so give Hunt a break.

 

[M.B.88]

See, ben hunt is a points scorer... so when we do get possession in our attacking zone.. him, milford, boyd, roberts, kahu, oates.... all usually put points on the board.

So i think what you all want hunt to do is say, "no, Tony, sorry darius... i am going to get a repeat set instead of pass it to you to score that try you were just sniffing out.. I'd rather grind this opposition out first before taking points, cause then those points will come later and we'll have the upper hand on holding them out cause we won't be as tired as them"

 

[Kyall]

When we turn the ball over on their goal line it's not like it's a really bad thing. I like Hunt and I'm backing him for daly m

 

[BroncsFan]

No, I wouldn't. The problem is that every team needs these fundamental attributes in at least one of his halves, and the Broncos do not have that, so I'm willing to take a lesser player, because it will strengthen the team by giving it more options.

If we didn't have Milford, I would want a player capable of doing it to pair... Ben Hunt!

the issue with downgrading one of our halves is that milf would have the burden of carrying the attack and is he actually ready to do that at this point in time??

 

[Foordy]

I don't hate Hunt at all, but keep telling yourself that, while ignoring his flaws...
Just one question though, do you deny this?

[FONT=&quot]It's when we are in the last 20 of the opposition on the 5th against a set defense, where his glaring flaws come to the fore.That's where a good halfback takes the line on, and depending on the circumstances, earns a repeat set, or reverses the direction of the attack and takes a pin point cross kick, or finds a hole to put one of his running players through.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]These will be the circumstances in most games against the better teams, and where Hunt is definitely below average.[/FONT]

Or do you just think that the best halfbacks can go without that?

I absolutely deny that.

Hunt came 3rd in Try Assists for 2016 with 21 (only 4 behind JT and 2 behind Cronk)

I also strongly believe he takes on the line more than any other halfback in the comp. Hunt had 12 line breaks (the only halfback to have more was Shaun Johnson, Milford was the only 5/8 ahead of him) this suggests he takes on the line a fair bit. He also had 15 line break assists (with the only halfbacks ahead of him Cronk, JT and Johnson)

sometimes i swear some people would prefer that we got a repeat set instead of a TRY.



Let me ask you something now: Do you think that 100% of the kicking responsibility in a game should fall on Hunt?

I only ask this because Milford seems to be getting a free ride here. Milford actually has a decent short kick on him. so why doesn't he take some of the kicking responsibility close to the line, if he is better at it than Hunt? or is Hunt the only one allowed to kick?

Milford is still a half and should take on his fair share of kicking, especially if he wants to be one of the best (because that is still one of his roles) and you know what, if Milford actually increases his kicking load, it may actually put some doubt in the defenders minds about who will kick the ball, giving Hunt less pressure and more time to perform his kicks.

FTR your golden boy Taylor (172 Kicks) actually kicked around 100 times less than Hunt (272 kicks) and around 60 less than his halves partner Tyrone Roberts (231).

[FONT=&quot]It's when we are in the last 20 of the opposition on the 5th against a set defense, where his glaring flaws come to the fore.That's where a good halfback takes the line on, and depending on the circumstances, earns a repeat set, or reverses the direction of the attack and takes a pin point cross kick, or finds a hole to put one of his running players through.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]These will be the circumstances in most games against the better teams, and where Hunt is definitely below average.[/FONT]

 

[Porthoz]

the issue with downgrading one of our halves is that milf would have the burden of carrying the attack and is he actually ready to do that at this point in time??

What? Why would Milford have the burden of carrying the attack? Is reading really that hard?

I absolutely deny that.

Hunt came 3rd in Try Assists for 2016 with 21 (only 4 behind JT and 2 behind Cronk)

I also strongly believe he takes on the line more than any other halfback in the comp. Hunt had 12 line breaks (the only halfback to have more was Shaun Johnson, Milford was the only 5/8 ahead of him) this suggests he takes on the line a fair bit. He also had 15 line break assists (with the only halfbacks ahead of him Cronk, JT and Johnson)

sometimes i swear some people would prefer that we got a repeat set instead of a TRY.



Let me ask you something now: Do you think that 100% of the kicking responsibility in a game should fall on Hunt?

I only ask this because Milford seems to be getting a free ride here. Milford actually has a decent short kick on him. so why doesn't he take some of the kicking responsibility close to the line, if he is better at it than Hunt? or is Hunt the only one allowed to kick?

Milford is still a half and should take on his fair share of kicking, especially if he wants to be one of the best (because that is still one of his roles) and you know what, if Milford actually increases his kicking load, it may actually put some doubt in the defenders minds about who will kick the ball, giving Hunt less pressure and more time to perform his kicks.

FTR your golden boy Taylor (172 Kicks) actually kicked around 100 times less than Hunt (272 kicks) and around 60 less than his halves partner Tyrone Roberts (231).

[FONT=&amp]It's when we are in the last 20 of the opposition on the 5th against a set defense, where his glaring flaws come to the fore.That's where a good halfback takes the line on, and depending on the circumstances, earns a repeat set, or reverses the direction of the attack and takes a pin point cross kick, or finds a hole to put one of his running players through.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]These will be the circumstances in most games against the better teams, and where Hunt is definitely below average.[/FONT]

This is not about Hunt whether Hunt takes on the line, but what he does with it. Bringing up stats which include all passages of play, especially broken play which both Hunt and Milford are excellent at exploiting, means nothing for the case at hand.
I'm talking about the tough games, where we play the top teams and top defenses, not the Newcastles of this world.
Read that first sentence in bold and try again...

Do you ask whether Morgan should take responsibility for some of the kicking at the Cowboys, to put some doubt in the defenders minds, so Thurston has more time to perform his kicks?
What about Townsend to relieve Maloney? Blake Green to relieve Cronk? Etc...

If both halves can kick, fantastic! But at least one should be fairly adequate at it.

P.S. Despite kicking 100 less, I bet Taylor had more were effective kicks in total than Hunt, but I fail to see why you keep bringing him up...

 

[Aldo]

I'm happy to stick with Hunt as long as they let him play his natural game and not try and turn him into something he isn't. Worked well in 2015. Let him and Milf buzz around like they use to do, not get stuck in some grindfest where all their flaws are highlighted.

 

[BroncsFan]

What? Why would Milford have the burden of carrying the attack? Is reading really that hard?

My point is milf is potentially going to be earning $1m a season after his next contract. That kind of money is typically reserved for a complete half that is expected to everything. I don't believe milf is ready to be that kind of player and yet you're happy to downgrade his half partner.

Doing so would make milf our number 1 option and teams would target him in attack and shut him down in defence. Hence him having to carry the attack

 

[Nashy]

What? Why would Milford have the burden of carrying the attack? Is reading really that hard?


This is not about Hunt whether Hunt takes on the line, but what he does with it. Bringing up stats which include all passages of play, especially broken play which both Hunt and Milford are excellent at exploiting, means nothing for the case at hand.
I'm talking about the tough games, where we play the top teams and top defenses, not the Newcastles of this world.
Read that first sentence in bold and try again...

Do you ask whether Morgan should take responsibility for some of the kicking at the Cowboys, to put some doubt in the defenders minds, so Thurston has more time to perform his kicks?
What about Townsend to relieve Maloney? Blake Green to relieve Cronk? Etc...

If both halves can kick, fantastic! But at least one should be fairly adequate at it.

P.S. Despite kicking 100 less, I bet Taylor had more were effective kicks in total than Hunt, but I fail to see why you keep bringing him up...

****, change the record. Taylor's a hack. Hunt's our halfback. Get over it.

 

[johnny plath]

@Porthoz we keep going around in circles with neither of us being able to change the others opinion ... so, i will bow out of this argument gracefully.

You keep enjoying you Hunt hate and dreaming of the second coming, Ash Taylor, once again playing for the Broncos.

While I'll keep enjoying watching one of the best halfbacks pulling on our colours.
[emoji2]

This could well be the case, but that statement has me thinking. In all honesty we really have had some bog average halfbacks in our 30 years. Apart from Langer, have we had a star halfback? In hindsight it seems really poor that we haven’t found/developed one in all that time. Maybe identifying halves is a weakness Bennett has, and him judging that Hunt is a big part of the future might actually not be so insightful.

 

[mitch222]

What? Why would Milford have the burden of carrying the attack? Is reading really that hard?


This is not about Hunt whether Hunt takes on the line, but what he does with it. Bringing up stats which include all passages of play, especially broken play which both Hunt and Milford are excellent at exploiting, means nothing for the case at hand.
I'm talking about the tough games, where we play the top teams and top defenses, not the Newcastles of this world.
Read that first sentence in bold and try again...

Do you ask whether Morgan should take responsibility for some of the kicking at the Cowboys, to put some doubt in the defenders minds, so Thurston has more time to perform his kicks?
What about Townsend to relieve Maloney? Blake Green to relieve Cronk? Etc...

If both halves can kick, fantastic! But at least one should be fairly adequate at it.

P.S. Despite kicking 100 less, I bet Taylor had more were effective kicks in total than Hunt, but I fail to see why you keep bringing him up...

If you want to be the highest paid player on the team then its pretty much expected of you. Don't think the cowboys would pay Thurston top dollar if he sat back and let Morgan run the show. If Milf wants the big bucks then he has to take control of his team. The onus shouldn't be just on Ben Hunts shoulders because he wears the 7. Maloney wears 6 for the sharks but is their leader and highest paid half and therefor he is the main man in attack.