Will Hunt play Origin in 2015?

[I bleed Maroon]

Welp, it's happened now. Hunt made his representative debut. Not only did he score a try, but the entire fabric of the game changed dramatically for the entire time he was out there.

Sheens is a moron, we all know that, but Meninga is not. He would've been watching tonight, and to be perfectly honest, I can't split Cherry Evans and Hunt at the moment. They're both in as good a form as each other.

If Manly struggle in 2015 while we thrive, I can see Hunt taking the QLD 7.

 

[Splinter]

I reckon Hunt would be better than DCE off the bench for Qld

 

[Foordy]

I think Cronk and Thurston will both start, so barring injury that leaves the bench, and QLD selectors are pretty loyal, so i think he may miss out

 

[Super Freak]

No, he won't.

Obviously Mal favors DCE more than Hunt. Hunt will not be playing Origin in 2015 unless there are injuries.

 

[morethanjack]

I think Cronk and Thurston will both start, so barring injury that leaves the bench, and QLD selectors are pretty loyal, so i think he may miss out

This is what I expect. If DCE continues to be some what underwhelming at rep level and Hunt keeps going the way he is, you would have to assume Hunt gets that bench stop eventually though.

 

[Socnorb]

Hunt in a utility role has it over DCE. Much better defender.

 

[Ari Gold]

Barring injury or suspension, no. If we're assuming that DCE doesn't get the bench spot, I don't think Hunt is the Broncos half most likely to get an impact bench spot.

Still, we have him locked up, so happy to be wrong.

 

[Broncoman]

The QLD selectors pride themselves on loyalty so it will be difficult for Hunt to force his way in. He would only play if worst case scenario struck.

 

[Unbreakable]

Nah I don't think he will due to the loyalty policy.

Although at the moment I rate Hunt over DCE tbh, marginally, Hunt probably wins the battle with his solid defence and ability to play Hooker better than most.

 

[MrMoore]

If Brisbane win a premiership in 2015, Hunt will take it in 2016, DCE has it otherwise. I'm a Hunt > DCE supporter but Hunt would have to tear it up whilst DCE plays mediocre for Hunt to be in for Origin 2015.

 

[bazza]

For me, the only reason people might believe DCE is a better player than Hunt is due to the fact he's had more years playing as a halfback. If Hunt had played all his first grade football at halfback instead of being dudded as a hooker, in my opinion Hunt would be the better player.

Hunt was the better halfback all through the grades, especially in NYC. However what benefited DCE was his time playing in the QLD cup as a halfback, where in contrast, Hunt ended up playing most of his NRL games with 20 minute stints at hooker. This set DCE up for success at NRL level as it made the transition to first grade a lot easier due to skills gained from playing halfback in QLD cup.

I feel DCE, with good coaching from Andrew Johns, has a more complete game, but It's a possibility that he may not get much better. In contrast, Hunt still has plenty of things to improve, and has room to get better. When he does, he'll be an outstanding halfback.The fact he is among the elite halves already, despite the deficiencies in his game, demonstrates that if he can get those things right, he'll be a very, very good halfback.

Hunt's overall kicking game and decision making would of been better had he been playing full time as a halfback, but it'll improve the more he plays. It is extremely exciting watching the progress he has made in a year, and I can't wait for more to come from him.

 

[Splinter]

I reckon Hunt is the best hooker at the Broncos.

 

[Danoz Direct]

I reckon Hunt is the best hooker at the Broncos.

Parcell might give him a run for his money.

 

[Sproj]

Jikorima will be the best hooker in the comp if we develop him there.

 

[Nashy]

I think DCE will get another go to prove himself. Should see Hunt in camp in '15, and playing in '16 after DCE is a flop.

 

[bazza]

Well McGuire played hooker pretty well for Samoa against NZL. Took a few smart dummy half runs catching the big Kiwi forwards napping a few times. McCullough has some stiff competition.

In all seriousness though, Hunt is not a hooker. He is a halfback, and a very good one. Let him develop there.

This is only an indication of Hunt's ability. He's nowhere near as good as he can be, yet is matching it the elite. Imagine what he could be when he can improve and fix a few things, which will only come from experience playing in the halves on a regular basis.

 

[Big Pete]

Hunt was the better halfback all through the grades, especially in NYC.

I'd say they were pretty split.

Obviously in 2008, Hunt was the best regular half in the competition but in 2009 I'd have to give the edge to DCE who was sublime for Manly that year.

I agree that the gap between the two was never that large but I reckon DCE still has more upside. Only aspect of Hunt's game that I'd consider better is his show and go - even then, DCE isn't a bad runner of the footy at all.

The fact we're even having this discussion and we're being completely frank about it just shows how far Hunt has come in 12 months.

I reckon Hunt is the best hooker at the Broncos.

He certainly has qualities that personify the new age 'hooker' position but I thought it was pretty clear from 2011-13 that he really wasn't anything special in that position.

Now not being special could still qualify for him for the role, but I really don't want to have the Hunt at hooker conversation. Let's allow him to have a couple of seasons at halfback before we consider moving him.

Jikorima will be the best hooker in the comp if we develop him there.

Don't jinx him bud!

I wouldn't read too much into NYC hookers, especially not ones who were simply playing there for the sake of being in the team. He could be anything at this stage, Jayden, hopefully he's a Bronco for the immediate future, that's all I care about.

Parcell might give him a run for his money.

I can see where [MENTION=8272]1910[/MENTION] was coming from in the Controversial Opinions thread.

 

[Alec]

People are jumping the gun a bit with Hunt IMO. Obviously he had a great year, but it was 90% based around being a blind side specialist and his dummy.

Coaches will figure it out, and he really needs to develop all other aspects of his game.