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.
MAX
Guest
Hi BigJ and Dave, Depends on how Thurston goes in 2017. It could be his last season and Hunt would be an ideal replacement or play from the bench to prolong Thurston's career another year.
American Dave
Guest
I can see the Cowboys making a play at Carney (at bottom dollar) but not shelling out for Hunt.
BigJ
Roar Guru
where would the cowboys fit him in ?????
kk
Roar Pro
Go north Ben Hunt, go north.
steve
Guest
I will be surprised if he spends 2017 at the Broncos. Can see him being moved on to Parra or the Dragons
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Certainly needs a change of scenery, even his smiles are sad.
BigJ
Roar Guru
that dropped ball will haunt him for the rest of his life or until he wins with someone else, he should move on but I dont think Parra is his solution. maybe the dragons
PNG Broncos fan88
Guest
Aston Sims punted after his costly error a few mins from fulltime gifted the Storm victory in 2008 sudden death final. Gerard Beale punted after prematurely ending Lockyer's career and Brisbane's hopes of 2011 premiership glory. Sad to say but Ben Hunt will not be at the Broncos beyond 2017.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
He looks sad in every photo I've seen him in since oct 2015. It definitely rattled him
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
I genuinely feel for Ben Hunt. He looks a broken man since dropping the Grand Final last year, and I suspect he would benefit from a change of scene. Even a season or two in the Super League, just to get away from the pressure. I suspect it would serve him well.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Hunt to Parra! He will surely end the curse as he should be going there completely out of form! Marshall to partner the MILF in the halves!