NRL's kick-blocker crackdown changes the game - but the question is do we want that?
NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
After an unhappy year, Ben Hunt admits he is considering what not so long ago seemed unthinkable – he may leave Brisbane.
The off-contract Broncos No.7 is set to test the open market in 2017 after trying to come to terms with a frustrating season.
Hunt has been a star for Brisbane since being named 2008 NRL Under 20s Player of the Year and seemed destined to be a one club man.
Hunt admitted it would be difficult to leave Brisbane – but did not rule out the prospect.
He has reportedly already received interest from Parramatta.
“I have to make the best decisions for me and my family,” Hunt said of his future.
“I love the club and they have been really good to me.
“If this where I will be in my future then that’s it.
“But I am going to take my time and make the right decision for my family.”
Hunt admitted he struggled to recapture the form that helped lift Brisbane into the 2015 NRL grand final.
“I think it was, I don’t know, maybe took a back seat to Milf,” Hunt said of his 2016 struggles.
“I couldn’t put my finger on it during the year, what was happening, but I just seemed to fade out of games a bit.”
He has been kept on his toes in the pre-season by the arrival of veteran playmaker Benji Marshall on a 12-month deal.
“There’s a little bit of pressure there,” Hunt said of Marshall’s signing.
“But it’s something every footy club needs.
“I know he has been pushing me and Milf at training.”
Hunt is one of 21 off-contract Broncos players.
The list includes Milford, captaincy candidates Darius Boyd and Andrew McCullough, Queensland winger Corey Oates, Test prop Josh McGuire and Kiwis Adam Blair and Alex Glenn.
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NRL kickers are under more pressure than ever. But what will the knock-on effects of the new crack-down be?
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