Ben Hunt Signals Intent to Extend Broncos Career Beyond 2026
The Brisbane Broncos are facing a significant period of transition, with the departures of star players Payne Haas to the Rabbitohs and Adam Reynolds announcing his impending retirement at the end of the 2026 season. This potential exodus of talent has raised questions about the future of veteran hooker Ben Hunt. However, the seasoned campaigner has now provided his strongest indication yet that he is keen to continue his NRL career, potentially extending it into 2027.
With both Reynolds and Hunt approaching their mid-thirties, the Broncos could face a double blow to their spine if both players decide to hang up their boots simultaneously at the conclusion of the 2026 season. The club is actively preparing for this eventuality, with Jonah Pezet on track to fill the crucial halfback role vacated by Reynolds. Furthermore, the emergence of young talents like Blake Mozer and Cameron Bukowski suggests a promising future for the hooker position following Hunt’s eventual departure.
Speaking candidly on Monday, Hunt expressed his desire to keep playing for as long as his body allows and his passion for the game remains strong. “If I feel like I can keep playing on, I will – and at the moment, I still feel like I can,” he stated. He acknowledged the early stage of the pre-season and the long season ahead, but emphasised his current positive physical condition and enduring enjoyment of rugby league. “I might get to a point during the year, or over the next four or five weeks, where I might make a call (to retire), but at the moment, I honestly haven’t thought about giving it away,” Hunt added.
Contract Status and Potential Mentorship Role
Hunt’s current contract expires at the end of the 2026 season, leaving his future beyond that point uncertain. However, with the impending departures of Haas and Reynolds, the Broncos are expected to have significant room in their salary cap to facilitate a re-signing of the experienced veteran. The 35-year-old’s current salary of $600,000 for the 2024 season appears to be a bargain for a player of his calibre – a premiership winner who could serve as an invaluable mentor to the emerging talents like Pezet, Mozer, and Bukowski.
Approaching Milestones and Longevity in the Game
To date, Ben Hunt has amassed an impressive 355 NRL games, with 208 appearances for the Broncos and 147 for the St. George Illawarra Dragons. Should he feature in Round 1 against the Penrith Panthers, he is poised to break Darren Lockyer’s club games record and ascend to become the third most-capped player in the history of the competition. Only two NRL legends, Cameron Smith (430 games) and Cooper Cronk (372 games), have played more matches.
Hunt remains optimistic about his longevity in the sport. “As long as the body is feeling good and I can manage to stay away from major injuries, I don’t see why I can’t play on,” he remarked. He drew parallels with the advice received from former players, who suggest that a player will intuitively know when it’s time to retire. “They said you will just know when it’s the end. They said you will get the feeling where you wake up one day and say you don’t want to do it anymore,” Hunt explained. He also acknowledged that external factors, such as encouragement from the club, coach, or his wife, Bridget, might influence his decision. “I might get a tap on the shoulder from the club, the coach or my missus (wife Bridget). She might say it’s time, but for now, it’s all systems go for me.”
Hunt’s positive outlook and continued dedication to the game suggest that Broncos fans can look forward to seeing him in action for at least another season, providing crucial leadership and experience as the club navigates its next chapter. His presence will be vital in nurturing the next generation of Broncos stars, ensuring a smooth transition and continued success for the club.
