‘A Lot Has Changed’: Ben Hunt Opens Up on Brisbane Broncos Return
Ben Hunt’s return to the Brisbane Broncos marks the end of an era of transition for the NRL veteran and the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career. Having spent the first eight years of his NRL career at the Broncos, Hunt’s return to the team is not only a personal milestone but also an emotional one for both the player and the club’s faithful supporters. After an eventful period at the St George Illawarra Dragons, where Hunt made a name for himself as one of the league’s top playmakers, his decision to return to Brisbane in 2023 after being granted a release from the final year of his contract represents a fresh start for the halfback as he sets his sights on a championship title with his beloved Broncos.
The Emotional Return
Ben Hunt’s connection to the Brisbane Broncos runs deep. Starting his NRL career with the Broncos in 2009, Hunt played a crucial role in the club’s successes during his initial stint, including a heartbreaking near-miss in the 2014 NRL Grand Final. In the years following, his career saw a move to the St George Illawarra Dragons, where he became one of the most consistent and respected players in the competition. But despite his personal and professional success at the Dragons, there was always a pull towards Brisbane.
During an interview with SEN before the 2023 season, Hunt reflected on his return to the Broncos, saying, “A lot has changed,” acknowledging the transformation within the club since his departure in 2017. It’s clear that the changes at Brisbane are not just in terms of staff and facilities, but also in the team’s culture and direction, both of which have undergone significant adjustments since Hunt’s first stint with the club. However, for Hunt, the emotional ties to the Broncos have always remained strong, and his decision to return was always rooted in a deep sense of unfinished business.
“I was never over in the new facility that we’re in now, so that’s one of the biggest changes,” Hunt shared. The Broncos’ state-of-the-art facilities represent the club’s desire to provide its players with the best possible environment for success, a far cry from the days when Hunt first joined the club. “There are a lot of new staff, but it’s still a great club,” he added. Despite the changes, Hunt acknowledged that the Broncos’ enduring legacy and strong leadership at the club’s core remained intact, giving him confidence that the environment was right for his return.
The Broncos’ Ambitions for 2023 and Beyond
Ben Hunt’s return to the Broncos isn’t just a nostalgic reunion but a crucial part of the club’s ambition to regain its former glory. The Broncos, once the powerhouse of Australian rugby league, have struggled in recent years to return to their championship-winning ways. Despite boasting a wealth of talent in recent seasons, the team has faltered in the crucial moments, falling short of making deep runs in the finals.
With the arrival of new head coach Michael Maguire, the Broncos have been working on revitalizing their team culture and ensuring a competitive squad for the future. Hunt, a veteran playmaker and natural leader, was seen as the missing link to the Broncos’ campaign for a premiership, especially with his experience of winning and performing under pressure. The club’s signing of Hunt on a release from the Dragons shows a commitment to building a team capable of challenging for the title in 2023 and beyond.
As a key member of the Brisbane Broncos’ plans, Hunt has been brought in to take on a central role in the team’s halves. This is a familiar position for Hunt, who made his mark as a halfback with the Broncos in his first spell at the club. However, Maguire has indicated that there may be flexibility in Hunt’s role later in the season, with the possibility of switching to hooker following Ezra Mam’s suspension. Regardless of his position, Hunt’s leadership and footballing IQ will be vital for the Broncos as they attempt to forge new partnerships and sharpen their offensive structures.
A Changing Club and a New Opportunity
Upon his return, Hunt expressed both excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to return to the Broncos, acknowledging how much the club had evolved since his last stint. “Corey Oates was the last player who I played with here, so there’s a whole new playing roster [to get used to],” he stated, highlighting the importance of building new combinations with his teammates in the 2023 pre-season. The change in roster reflects a broader reshaping of the Broncos’ squad over recent seasons as they attempt to balance youth and experience in their pursuit of a premiership.
The new faces in the Broncos’ lineup present both a challenge and an opportunity for Hunt. Having forged strong partnerships with his former teammates during his first spell, Hunt is now tasked with adapting to new dynamics and developing fresh on-field relationships with the club’s rising stars. The team’s young talents, such as Payne Haas, Herbie Farnworth, and Kotoni Staggs, will undoubtedly benefit from Hunt’s leadership and knowledge of the game. In addition to this, Hunt’s kicking game and decision-making ability will provide stability in the halves and allow the Broncos to attack with greater precision.
For Hunt, this is not just another chapter in his career; it’s an opportunity to return to the place where he feels most at home. “It was always in my heart (to return). If I ever had an opportunity to come back here – it was something I really wanted to do,” Hunt explained. This sentiment is indicative of his deep connection to the Broncos and the club’s supporters. He recognizes the role that the Broncos played in shaping his career and is eager to repay that faith with a championship in what could be the twilight of his playing days.
A Milestone Career and the Pursuit of a Premiership
Ben Hunt’s return to the Broncos marks a milestone in his career, one that has already seen him achieve great success but fall short of securing the coveted NRL Premiership. In 2014, Hunt’s Broncos came agonizingly close to winning the grand final, only to be narrowly defeated. For Hunt, the pain of that defeat has lingered, and it has fueled his desire to return to Brisbane with a goal of lifting the premiership trophy.
Currently, Hunt sits at 187 NRL games, and the prospect of reaching the 200-game milestone with the Broncos is one that motivates him. “I’m at 187 games at the moment, so to play 200 games for such a great club is something I will definitely cherish,” he said. This achievement would be a testament to his longevity and consistency at the highest level. However, Hunt’s sights are set on something even greater: winning a premiership with the Broncos. Despite his success at the Dragons, Hunt’s ultimate ambition remains to return to his roots and claim an NRL title with the team that launched his career.
In order to achieve this, Hunt will need to lead the Broncos through a season that will undoubtedly be full of challenges. The competition is fierce, with clubs like the Sydney Roosters, Melbourne Storm, and Penrith Panthers all vying for the top spot. However, with a revitalized squad, a strong coaching staff, and the leadership of Hunt, the Broncos are well-positioned to make a serious run at the title.
The Future of the Brisbane Broncos
Ben Hunt’s return is part of a broader strategic plan by the Brisbane Broncos to rebuild the team and return to the top of the NRL standings. The club has faced numerous setbacks in recent years, but the acquisition of experienced and quality players like Hunt demonstrates their determination to get back to their winning ways.
Maguire’s coaching philosophy, combined with the leadership and experience of Hunt, will play a critical role in shaping the team’s culture and success moving forward. It’s not just about assembling a talented squad—it’s about creating a team that can play with unity, discipline, and the desire to win.
For Hunt, the return to the Broncos is more than just another opportunity to play in the NRL; it’s a chance to help return the club to its rightful place among the league’s elite. Whether or not he can achieve that elusive premiership remains to be seen, but with his commitment, leadership, and footballing intelligence, Hunt is poised to make a lasting impact on the club and its supporters.
Conclusion
Ben Hunt’s decision to return to the Brisbane Broncos is a pivotal moment in his career and an exciting development for the team. With his wealth of experience, leadership, and footballing ability, Hunt is poised to help steer the Broncos towards a successful future. As the club looks to reclaim its former glory and compete for a premiership, Hunt’s return is a clear indication that the Broncos are committed to building a winning team. While the road ahead will be tough, Hunt’s determination to repay the faith placed in him and his connection to the Broncos make this return one of the most eagerly anticipated moments in NRL history.
