BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 11: Ben Hunt of the Broncos passes the ball during the round 23 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Cronulla Sharks at Suncorp Stadium on August 11, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
Ben Hunt’s Leadership Role: Broncos New Era Under Maguire’s Guidance
As the Brisbane Broncos prepare for another NRL season, new coach Michael Maguire has made a key decision regarding the team’s leadership. Ben Hunt, one of the club’s most experienced players, has been handed a senior leadership role as the Broncos look to rise to greater heights. Hunt’s return to Brisbane in 2025 has not only brought renewed excitement among the fans, but it also signals the beginning of a new era for the Broncos under Maguire’s guidance.
Maguire’s Leadership Call
Maguire’s decision to appoint Ben Hunt to a senior leadership position was made official on Thursday. This move comes in the wake of the Broncos’ revamped leadership structure, which will see a blend of experience and youth guiding the team. New coach Michael Maguire, known for his tough, no-nonsense approach, has placed his trust in Hunt, a player with a wealth of experience both at Brisbane and in the NRL. Hunt, who returned to the Broncos after a stint with the St George Illawarra Dragons, is expected to slot into the halves alongside club captain Adam Reynolds.
Adam Reynolds, who joined the Broncos in 2021, remains the club’s captain for the upcoming season. Reynolds, a key figure in the Broncos’ leadership group, will continue his role as the team’s leader despite Hunt’s return to the club. Maguire, who has a longstanding connection with Reynolds dating back to their time together at South Sydney Rabbitohs, expressed his confidence in Reynolds’ ability to lead the Broncos in 2025.
“Reyno is a leader, and it’s very clear to me that this group of players really enjoy playing with him, but importantly, for him,” Maguire said. “I’ve had a deep connection with Reyno for many years, and I know how hungry he is to keep leading from the front.”
Maguire’s comments highlight the respect Reynolds commands within the team, and his leadership is expected to remain a cornerstone of the Broncos’ aspirations this season.
The Senior Leadership Group
While Reynolds continues as the official captain, Maguire’s decision to form an official senior leadership group demonstrates his belief in the collective responsibility of the team. Alongside Hunt, the group will include key figures such as Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, and Kotoni Staggs. These players, all of whom have proven themselves as leaders on the field, will play an essential role in guiding the Broncos through the season.
Pat Carrigan, a hard-working and tough forward, has emerged as one of the team’s most dependable players over the past few seasons. His ability to lead by example on the field, combined with his work ethic and commitment, makes him a natural fit for the leadership group. Likewise, Payne Haas, a dynamic prop forward who has established himself as one of the best in the NRL, is expected to be a key contributor to the leadership structure. Kotoni Staggs, known for his explosive impact in the backline, is another player whose influence on and off the field will be vital for the Broncos’ success.
For Hunt, his return to the Broncos represents a fresh chapter in his career. The experienced playmaker, who has previously captained the Dragons, will bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership qualities to the table. Hunt’s inclusion in the leadership group is not only a recognition of his experience but also a reflection of the Broncos’ determination to build a strong and cohesive unit.
Ben Hunt’s Role in the Halves
Ben Hunt’s return to Brisbane is not only about leadership; his on-field role is equally significant. With the suspension of Ezra Mam for nine games, Hunt will likely slot into the halves alongside Reynolds. This partnership promises to bring a new dynamic to the Broncos’ attack, with Hunt’s experience and vision complementing Reynolds’ leadership and skill set.
Hunt’s return to the Broncos marks a full-circle moment in his career. After departing Brisbane in 2018 to join the St George Illawarra Dragons, Hunt returns as a more experienced and mature player. His stint at the Dragons has sharpened his skills, and his leadership qualities have been honed. Now, at 34 years of age, Hunt brings a level of maturity that will be essential in helping guide the next generation of Broncos stars.
“We’ve got a really strong group of senior players here, and having Hunty as part of that now is huge,” Reynolds said in a statement. “I feel like it’s gone full circle with Madge; he obviously gave me my debut jersey and now, I’m a little older, but he’s still showing faith in me.”
Hunt’s return to the Broncos also comes at a time when the team is looking to take the next step in their development. Under Maguire’s coaching, the Broncos are expected to play a more structured and disciplined style of football. The addition of Hunt to the leadership group is indicative of the club’s ambition to build a team that can compete at the highest level.
Team Building and Culture
Maguire’s leadership philosophy goes beyond simply assigning captaincy and senior leadership roles; it is about fostering a culture of accountability, where every player is expected to contribute to the team’s success. The past few months have allowed Maguire to observe the different leadership styles within the Broncos squad, and he is confident that the right pieces are in place to build a successful team.
Maguire has emphasized the importance of leadership not just from the top down but throughout the team. “Everyone should be a leader at this club, from the youngest to the oldest, through our behaviours and our actions every day,” he said. This philosophy aligns with the idea of creating a team-first mentality, where every player is held accountable for their actions and their contributions to the collective goal.
In an effort to further strengthen team cohesion, the Broncos recently underwent a three-day, police-style boot camp designed to push players to their limits. The camp tested the players both physically and mentally, helping them bond as a team while also preparing them for the rigors of an NRL season. According to the players, the camp was a challenging experience, but it played a crucial role in reinforcing the club’s culture of hard work and resilience.
Looking Ahead
As the Broncos head into the 2025 NRL season, there is a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the club. The leadership structure under Maguire, combined with the experienced heads in the team, sets a solid foundation for success. With Reynolds continuing as captain, supported by Hunt, Carrigan, Haas, and Staggs, the Broncos have a leadership group that can drive them forward and inspire the next generation of players.
For Ben Hunt, this is an opportunity to help lead the Broncos to success in his second stint at the club. As a player who has experienced both the highs and lows of the NRL, Hunt’s leadership and on-field contributions will be pivotal in the team’s quest for glory. With a strong leadership structure in place and a clear vision under Maguire, the Broncos will be aiming to make their mark in 2025 and beyond.
With the season just around the corner, the Brisbane Broncos are determined to return to their former glory. The leadership group, spearheaded by Adam Reynolds and supported by Ben Hunt, will be crucial to achieving this goal. As Maguire’s vision begins to take shape, Broncos fans will be hoping for a year to remember, with their team once again challenging for the NRL title.
