Michael Maguire, the new Brisbane Broncos coach, has made it clear that he has no concerns if veteran playmaker Ben Hunt chooses to play in the State of Origin series next year, despite uncertainty surrounding Hunt’s availability. The 34-year-old has hinted that he is reconsidering his future in representative football, which presents a significant challenge for Queensland coach Billy Slater as he plans for the 2025 Origin series.
Hunt recently finalized his move back to the Broncos, signing a reported two-year contract worth $600,000 per season. This transfer not only marks a return to his roots in Queensland but also positions Hunt for a final push toward a long-coveted premiership title. Maguire, in discussing the club’s decision to bring Hunt back, highlighted the leadership and experience Hunt brings to the squad as critical factors. The seasoned playmaker is expected to partner with Adam Reynolds in the halves, creating a dynamic duo that will likely lead Brisbane’s charge in the 2024 NRL season.
Hunt’s decision to leave the St. George Illawarra Dragons and return to Brisbane was driven by his desire to compete for a premiership in the twilight of his career. However, the move also raises questions about his continued involvement in State of Origin. While both Hunt and Queensland captain Daly Cherry-Evans are expected to feature in the 2025 series, their advancing age and the physical demands of Origin football make their participation far from guaranteed. At 34 and 35 years old respectively, both players are nearing the end of their representative careers, and the strain of Origin games could influence their willingness to play at that level.
For Hunt, the focus now lies firmly on starting fresh with the Broncos. His recent selection in Mal Meninga’s Kangaroos squad for the Pacific Championship showcased his reputation as a versatile and dependable player, though he did not take the field during the tournament. Looking ahead, Hunt admitted he is uncertain about his Origin future, suggesting he will take the early part of the NRL season to assess his readiness. “I’m not too sure,” Hunt told The Courier Mail. “At some stage, I will have to make a decision on State of Origin. Right now, I want to get into next year, have a fresh start at the Broncos, and see how the start of the season is going. That will take care of Origin level.”
Despite speculation that the Broncos might prefer Hunt to prioritize club commitments, Maguire has expressed full support for his star player’s potential participation in Origin. Having previously coached the New South Wales Blues to victory, Maguire understands the significance of the Origin arena for players and sees it as an invaluable experience. “I would never deny anyone the chance to play Origin. You learn so much in that arena, so if Hunty is picked for Queensland,