The Brisbane Broncos are edging closer to finalizing a deal to bring veteran halfback Ben Hunt back to Red Hill in a move expected to shake up their halves depth chart for the upcoming NRL season.
🔄 A Homecoming for a Club Legend
Hunt, 34, previously spent nine seasons with the Broncos before joining the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2018. After reuniting with his former club, he is poised to re-sign on a two‑year deal reportedly worth around $600,000 per season, equating to a total of approximately $1.2 million—a figure that may include post-retirement employment perks as part of the agreement.
💰 Financial Details & Salary Cap Considerations
The deal reportedly values Hunt’s contract at roughly $600,000 a year, significantly less than his previous Dragons salary of $950,000. It’s understood the contract is structured so that Hunt would earn about $1.1 to $1.2 million over two seasons, with off-field employment included as a carrot to comply with NRL salary‑cap rules.
- The Broncos are utilizing a creative package that includes a guaranteed post-career role within the club, making the offer compelling despite being financially smaller than rival bids from teams like the Dolphins.
- With Hunt off-contract, the NRL salary cap auditors are likely to benchmark his market value based on multiple club offers—reportedly pegging it around $750,000–$800,000—even if the Broncos’ official figure is slightly lower).
🔧 Tactical Fit & Squad Needs
Hunt’s return is seen as a move to bolster the Broncos’ playmaking resilience. With five‑eighth Ezra Mam facing a possible suspension, Brisbane is preparing Hunt to either slot in at five‑eighth next to Adam Reynolds, or potentially operate as a utility half/back-up hooker, depending on squad rotations.
🗣️ Reactions and Fan Sentiment
The announcement has drawn mixed responses: while many fans welcome Hunt’s experience and leadership, some remain wary due to his involvement in the Broncos’ 2015 Grand Final loss. Others point to the strategic salary cap management behind the signing as a clever workaround.
✅ Summary Summary Table
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Ben Hunt (34-year-old halfback) |
| Contract Duration | 2-year deal |
| Reported Salary | ~ $600,000 per season |
| Total Deal Value | Around $1.2 million |
| Additional Incentives | Post-career role within the Broncos |
| Strategic Fit | Cover for Ezra Mam; veteran playmaker |
| Salary Cap Compliance | Market value assessed by NRL auditors |
🎯 Why This Signing Matters
- Experience & leadership: Hunt brings over 300 NRL games and a wealth of finals experience, expected to complement young talents like Reynolds and Mam.
- Financial savvy: The arrangement allows Brisbane to secure a marquee playmaker without overcommitting under the salary cap.
- Premiership drive: With Hunt’s return to the fold, Brisbane fans are hopeful about the club’s prospects to end its premiership drought.
If approved, the signing is expected to be formally announced later this month by Broncos coaching staff and executives.
