Hunger games: Hunt for Holy Grail burns in Bronco Ben
Joel Gould |
Ben Hunt started his NRL career at Brisbane playing finals as a given, but after a seven-year absence from September cauldrons he intends to make it count.
The word “hunger” featured in his interview multiple times at Broncos HQ this week ahead of Sunday’s qualifying final clash in Canberra. It became clear that absence from finals footy had made his heart fonder and his mind stronger to revisit the arena.
Hunt played 15 finals inside eight years from 2011 to 2018 but none since.
The last time the 35-year-old played finals was in his first season with St George Illawarra. In the elimination final he returned to Suncorp Stadium to star and help put the Broncos to the sword 48-18.
The following week it was Adam Reynolds, the man he has replaced at No.7 while the Broncos skipper is unavailable with a hamstring injury, who landed three incredible field goals for South Sydney to secure a 13-12 victory over the Dragons.
When Hunt was investigating where he wanted to play in 2025 he met with the Sydney Roosters and Dolphins. There was strong interest from both but he decided to come home to the club he always wanted to play his entire career for.
Hunt was outstanding in the 2015 grand final until a dropped ball off the kick-off in golden point proved costly. It was Johnathan Thurston and North Queensland’s night. So does he imagine himself lifting the premiership trophy in his quiet moments?
“I wouldn’t say I have visualised it but you definitely dream about going back there again,” Hunt said.
“To miss one that close was definitely heartbreaking but it is the dream to go back there and hold that shield up. It would definitely be a special way to round out the back end of my career.
“It’s been a bit of a long wait (to play finals again). It’s what I wanted to come back home for. I believed this team could play finals and to be back at the Broncos with finals ahead, I am definitely excited.”
Hunt has a steely look in his eye when he speaks. The man is nothing but switched on to the task ahead.
“The hunger is bigger than ever. You set out to win a competition. I got close once before and missed it. The hunger is definitely there,” he said.
Hunt insists the team is at the right stage of development to win a comp this year, with or without Reynolds.
“If we have the right attitude each week, why not? I have definitely seen a lot of growth,” he added.
“It is my first year back here but I have seen a lot of growth in a lot of players. We have the balance of youth and some older heads.
“It’s not just about me. If we turn up with the right attitude like we did (against Melbourne in a 30-14 win last week) and stick to the game plan we believe in then we feel like we can match it with a lot of teams. It’s a whole team effort.”
AAP
