Ben Hunt’s Decision and Its Impact on the Broncos
Ben Hunt has put an end to months of speculation regarding his future in the NRL after informing the Brisbane Broncos that he intends to continue playing in 2027. However, this decision may not be favorable for his off-contract teammate Billy Walters, who is still recovering from a torn ACL sustained during the Broncos’ finals campaign last year.
Walters, the son of former Broncos coach and club legend Kevin, has resumed training but is not expected to return to play until the second half of the season. This limited playing time could make it difficult for him to convince the Brisbane coach, Michael Maguire, that he deserves a contract extension at the club. Additionally, Hunt’s desire to play further complicates Walters’ situation.
Many had anticipated that the 36-year-old Hunt would retire alongside skipper Adam Reynolds at the end of the season. He had re-joined the club from the Dragons on a two-year deal in 2025. However, Hunt has set his sights on playing his 19th season next year, which would bring him closer to a milestone of 400 games.
The Broncos have not yet offered Hunt a new deal, but Maguire suggested it was a formality. “Benny is working through that (his future) at the moment,” the Brisbane coach told reporters. “He loves the club and he loves football. He just loves the game and I really enjoy coaching a guy like that. ‘Hunty’ says he still has the hunger to get out there and rip into training, and he is the same in games as well. Whilst that fire is burning, Hunty is keen to keep going.”
Potential Implications for Billy Walters
Hunt’s decision could have significant consequences for Walters, potentially forcing the veteran hooker out of the club. Maguire already has five dummy halves at his disposal, and the off-contract 32-year-old’s future appears to be the most uncertain.
The Broncos recently extended first-choice No.9 Cory Paix’s contract for two more years, keeping him at the club until the end of 2028. Emerging hooker Blake Mozer is signed until the end of 2027, while fellow young talent Cameron Bukowski is on a development deal and seems close to earning a spot in Brisbane’s top-30 roster.
Bukowski is set to make his NRL debut for the injury-ravaged Broncos in Saturday night’s match against the Tigers in Campbelltown. The 20-year-old Broncos academy star gets his chance after all four of Maguire’s top-30 contracted dummy halves were ruled out.
Hunt is currently earning around $550,000 per season, and his extension would provide the Broncos with a strong mentor for their promising young players. Jonah Pezet is set to join the club next year from Parramatta, and Hunt’s leadership and experience will be invaluable when Payne Haas ($1.2 million) moves to Souths and Reynolds ($500,000) retires later this year. This also frees up salary cap space for the Broncos to offer Hunt a new deal.
