Veteran playmaker Ben Hunt is on the verge of making his return to the Brisbane Broncos after recovering from a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action since round ten of the NRL season. The 35-year-old has been working towards regaining full fitness, and although there was speculation he could be back for the Broncos’ round 18 clash against the Canterbury Bulldogs, team officials ultimately chose not to rush him back onto the field.
Hunt’s potential inclusion in this week’s lineup was closely monitored, but the Broncos’ coaching and medical staff at Red Hill decided that the risk of aggravating the injury outweighed the potential reward of his early return. Despite having trained during the week and showing promising signs of recovery, the final decision was to give him one more week to fully heal.
In a media appearance prior to the game, coach Michael Maguire provided insight into the thought process behind the cautious approach. He emphasized the difficulty of managing hamstring injuries, especially in experienced players who play key roles in the team’s structure.
“It’s a really tricky one with Hunty,” Maguire explained. “He was very close to being available for Round 18, but with hamstring injuries, you’ve got to be cautious. Especially with someone like Ben, who brings so much to the team both on and off the field, we don’t want to risk any setbacks.”
The coach acknowledged that Hunt had been involved in training sessions leading up to the match and initially looked like he might be ready to return. However, the coaching staff ultimately felt it would be wiser to delay his comeback to ensure he’s 100 percent ready.
“He trained earlier in the week and there were definitely some encouraging signs, but in the end, we felt it was safer to hold off. We’ve decided to push it back another week and look to bring him in for the next game,” Maguire added.
This decision now sets the stage for Hunt’s possible return in Round 19, when the Broncos face off against their Queensland rivals, the Gold Coast Titans. That game is expected to not only mark Hunt’s return to action but also reveal the role he will play in the squad moving forward—especially with finals footy on the horizon.
Position Puzzle: Where Will Hunt Fit In?
One of the key questions surrounding Hunt’s return is what position he will take up within the team. The Broncos’ current halves pairing of Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds has been in impressive form, which complicates the process of reintegrating Hunt into the starting lineup.
When Hunt was last healthy, Mam was serving a suspension, which allowed Maguire to slot Hunt into the halves without disrupting the team’s balance. However, with both Mam and Reynolds now fit and firing, Maguire is faced with a more complex selection dilemma. Replacing either halfback would be a controversial move, particularly given the strong performances the duo have delivered in recent weeks.
As such, the most likely scenario is a shift in position for Hunt. A logical move would be transitioning him into the hooker role—a position where Hunt has significant experience, especially at the representative level. He has often filled this role for Queensland in State of Origin matches, proving his versatility and effectiveness in the middle of the field.
If Hunt is indeed moved to hooker, the ripple effects on the rest of the squad could be considerable. Cory Paix, who has been the Broncos’ starting dummy half, might be relegated to the bench. Meanwhile, Billy Walters—another regular at hooker—would likely drop out of the top 17 altogether and return to playing in the Queensland Cup.
This positional reshuffle will depend on several factors, including how Hunt’s fitness progresses over the next week and how Maguire wants to structure his spine heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The clash with the Titans will likely serve as the decisive moment, revealing not only whether Hunt is ready to return but also how the Broncos intend to utilize his skillset during the crucial closing rounds.
Hunt’s Value in the Run to Finals
With the finals rapidly approaching, having a seasoned campaigner like Hunt back in the mix is a major boost for the Broncos. Known for his composure under pressure, tactical kicking, and leadership on the field, Hunt’s presence could provide the spark Brisbane needs as they aim to solidify their place in the top eight and push deep into the playoffs.
His ability to slot into multiple positions—whether it be halfback, five-eighth, or hooker—gives Maguire a valuable wildcard heading into crunch time. Even if he doesn’t reclaim a starting role in the halves, his utility value means he could still have a major influence, either as a starter in another position or coming off the bench as an impact player.
There’s also a strategic advantage to having Hunt involved in high-pressure games, given his vast experience in finals footy and representative matches. Younger players in the squad, such as Mam, stand to benefit greatly from Hunt’s leadership and on-field guidance, especially during tense moments.
As the Broncos prepare to face the Titans in Round 19, all eyes will be on the team list announcement to see whether Ben Hunt makes his much-anticipated return. If cleared, it will mark a key turning point in Brisbane’s campaign, offering a timely injection of experience and tactical flexibility as they march toward the finals.
While the club’s decision to hold him back from the Bulldogs match may have been frustrating for fans eager to see him back in action, it’s a move grounded in long-term thinking. The priority remains ensuring Hunt is at full fitness and able to contribute meaningfully—not just in one game, but across the remainder of the season.
With just a few rounds remaining before the finals series begins, the return of Ben Hunt could prove to be one of the most important developments for the Broncos this year.
