Ben Hunt Extends Broncos Stay Until 2027
Veteran playmaker Ben Hunt has signed a one-year contract extension with the Brisbane Broncos, committing to the club through the 2027 NRL season.
Key Details:
- Age & Contract: Hunt, now 36, will turn 37 early in the 2026 season. The new deal keeps him at Red Hill for the 2027 campaign.
- Recent Success: The extension comes after Hunt won the NRL premiership with Brisbane in 2024, a decade after his heartbreaking loss in the 2015 grand final.
- Roster Impact: His presence adds significant depth in the halves and hooker positions. This creates potential selection challenges for coach Michael Maguire, given the club already has existing contracts for halves Jonah Pezet, Tom Duffy, and Ezra Mam, and hookers Cory Paix, Blake Mozer, and Billy Walters (who is currently off-contract and returning from an ACL injury).
Direct Quotes
"Broncos have always been home for me... I love being part of this group, I still feel like I've got plenty to offer and my body feels great." — Ben Hunt
"Ben's experience and leadership are invaluable... He sets high standards every day and continues to have a huge impact on our culture." — Simon Scanlan, Broncos Recruitment Manager
Analysis:
The extension not only secures a proven winner for Brisbane but also injects veteran stability into a squad with several younger, developing playmakers. Hunt’s ability to cover both halfback and hooker gives the coaching staff tactical flexibility, though it will likely force difficult decisions regarding game time for the club's rising stars.