Bold statement: Ben Hunt’s World Club Challenge role signals a strategic shift for the Broncos, not a sideline punt. And this is where the story gets intriguing: he’ll start the match on the bench, a move that hints at how Brisbane plans to shape its 2026 campaign while still leveraging Hunt’s vast experience.
Hunt, a veteran playmaker who frequently moved between halves and hooker last season to help Brisbane end a premiership drought, has now indicated he will come off the bench for the World Club Challenge against Hull KR. The game takes place on Friday (AEDT) in the UK, with Hunt preparing alongside a Broncos squad that has been in England to gear up for the non-Australian clash—the kind of fixture no Australian club has won since the pandemic disrupted the global schedule.
During a recent appearance on 4BC Breakfast, Hunt described the cold conditions and revealed he wouldn’t be starting the game. He even joked about staying warm in the dressing room and using a radio call to enter the match when required. This arrangement likely means Cory Paix or youngster Blake Mozer will handle dummy-half duties for Brisbane.
“I’m just lying in the room, trying to stay warm… it was one degree today, felt like minus two,” Hunt commented. “I told Madge [Michael Maguire] I’d be up in the dressing room and to radio me when you need me to go on.”
Looking ahead to the season, Hunt is anticipated to take on more time at hooker, with Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds directing the halves. He could also serve as a versatile bench option if Paix or Mozer wears the No. 9, especially after Billy Walters’ ACL injury sidelined him.
Beyond the World Club Challenge, Hunt reflected on past losses by Penrith in 2023 and 2024, using those memories as motivation for Brisbane to claim a victory over the reigning Super League champions if the opportunity arises.
“We’re taking this very seriously,” Hunt stated. “Over the last few weeks, Madge has drilled it into us. We’re not here to holiday; we’re here to work hard, and we know it’ll be tough.”
As for contract plans, Hunt is entering the last year of his deal with Brisbane, though expectations remain high that he’ll re-sign for 2027. With 355 first-grade appearances under his belt, he would be within striking distance of Cameron Smith (430) should he enjoy another injury-free season. Hunt downplayed personal milestones, emphasizing his primary goal: contributing to the team’s success while he remains healthy and effective.
The World Club Challenge clash with Hull KR is scheduled to begin at 6:30 am AEDT on Friday. Hull KR features several former NRL players, including Peta Hiku, Tom Amone, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Karl Lawton, and Rhyse Martin.
Brisbane Broncos World Club Challenge squad:
- Grant Anderson
- Patrick Carrigan
- Jack Gosiewski
- Payne Haas
- Ben Hunt
- Jaiyden Hunt
- Corey Jensen
- Josiah Karapani
- Ezra Mam
- Deine Mariner
- Blake Mozer
- Cory Paix
- Adam Reynolds
- Jordan Riki
- Gehamat Shibasaki
- Kotoni Staggs
- Ben Talty
- Aublix Tawha
- Reece Walsh
- Xavier Willison
Thought-provoking angle: What should fans expect from Hunt’s bench role—fresh impact off the bench or a measured, game-management approach that preserves his prime for bigger battles ahead? Is this a blueprint for balancing veteran leadership with youth development, or a sign of deeper strategic shifts within Brisbane’s squad construction? Share your take below.
