Ben Hunt has underscored the critical need to provide Reece Walsh with more high-quality ball in better positions as part of his eagerly anticipated return to the Brisbane Broncos in 2025. Hunt, who has just signed a two-year deal with the Broncos, is enthusiastic about rejoining the club where his career first began. Hunt started his NRL journey at Brisbane, before moving on to the Dragons, but will be returning to his roots next season. The acquisition of the 34-year-old veteran halfback/hooker brings even more firepower to an already exciting Broncos roster. With a spine that includes Walsh, Ezra Mam (once he returns from suspension), Adam Reynolds, and now Hunt, Brisbane’s lineup for 2025 is shaping up to be a genuine title contender. This core group is expected to instill fear in opposition teams across the competition, and Hunt’s return is seen as the final piece that could propel them to the next level.
Hunt’s versatility is one of his greatest assets, and he understands the immense responsibility he holds when it comes to maximizing Walsh’s talents. Whether Hunt plays at halfback or hooker, he is acutely aware that his ability to get the ball to Walsh in the right spots will be pivotal to the Broncos’ success. Hunt shared his excitement about playing alongside Walsh, a player he has great admiration for: “I’m really excited to be playing with a guy like Reece, he is a freakish talent with speed to burn.” Hunt went on to say that he’s eager to work with Reynolds to fine-tune their game plans. The duo of Hunt and Reynolds, both seasoned veterans, will be key in steering the team and ensuring that Walsh is given every opportunity to shine. “I’m looking forward to working on our game plans with ‘Reyno’ (Reynolds) because between us two old heads, we can steer the ship around and bring the best out in Reece and the rest of the side,” Hunt said. He emphasized that his primary focus would be to get Walsh more involved in the game by providing him with better quality ball in better positions. Hunt believes that this approach will help unlock Walsh’s potential and elevate the entire team. “Reece has unleashed himself pretty well the last few years, but any way I can come in, get him more involved in the game and get him more quality ball in better positions, I think I can help him with that,” Hunt explained. He added, “We (Hunt and Reynolds) can be very beneficial for the side and I’d love to help the younger guys take their game to another level, Reece included.”
Having played alongside Walsh for Queensland in the State of Origin series over the past two years, Hunt has seen firsthand the type of damage Walsh can do to opposition defenses when given the right opportunities. This firsthand experience of Walsh’s devastating ability has only strengthened Hunt’s determination to provide him with the necessary tools to perform at his best. Hunt’s insight into Walsh’s capabilities and his understanding of what is required to get the most out of him is expected to be a significant factor in Brisbane’s success in 2025. Hunt knows that the Broncos’ chances of competing for a title will largely depend on how effectively they can maximize Walsh’s explosive talent.
As for his own role in the team, Hunt will likely start the 2025 season in the halves due to the suspension of Ezra Mam, who is expected to miss the beginning of the year. However, once Mam is back in the fold, Hunt will likely shift to hooker, a position where he has extensive experience at the representative level, having played both for Queensland and Australia. Hunt’s ability to play both as a halfback and a hooker offers Brisbane coach Michael Maguire a wealth of options when it comes to structuring the team’s spine. The flexibility of having a player of Hunt’s caliber available to play in either position is a luxury that Maguire is grateful for.
Maguire praised Hunt’s understanding of the team’s needs and the importance of creating a positive, cohesive culture within the group. “The best thing is that Ben understands what’s ahead of us (and) we need to create a culture that will galvanize us every day,” Maguire said this week. He noted that they had already discussed Hunt’s role in both the halves and at hooker, and emphasized that it would be a work in progress throughout the season. “I have spoken to him about playing at nine or in the halves. It’s a work in progress. To have the versatility of Hunt, who has played at the highest level of nine, is a blessing. We have options (at hooker) which is nice to see at training. It’s competition within (and) it’s good for the team,” Maguire explained. This versatility, Maguire added, not only provides competition within the squad but also enhances the team’s depth and tactical flexibility.
Ben Hunt’s return to Brisbane marks a new chapter in his career and brings with it a sense of excitement and anticipation. His leadership, vast experience, and tactical understanding will be invaluable to the Broncos, especially in terms of harnessing the potential of younger talents like Reece Walsh. Hunt’s role in guiding the team, especially the spine, is expected to be central to Brisbane’s push for a championship in 2025. Whether he’s orchestrating play as a halfback or providing the attacking spark from hooker, Hunt’s impact on the Broncos’ fortunes will be enormous. As the season unfolds, the Broncos will be looking to harness the full potential of their powerful spine, with Hunt playing a key role in unlocking that success.