Ben Hunt will finish his NRL career at the club with which he started it after agreeing to rejoin Brisbane on a two-year deal.
The 34-year-old has been weighing up his future, having fielded interest from the Broncos, Roosters, Dolphins and a Super League club since being released by St George Illawarra.
However, Hunt has chosen to join Brisbane on a deal worth approximately $550,000 per season.
“He’s very flattered by the interest from those clubs, but ultimately opted to finish his career in Brisbane,” said Hunt’s manager, Col Davis. “It was a difficult decision, and he hadn’t made up his mind until yesterday.”
The recruitment of Hunt is a huge coup for new coach Michael Maguire, who will now have a representative playmaker at his disposal despite the likely suspension of Ezra Mam, who has been charged with drug driving and unlicensed driving.
Hunt’s Broncos move gives him a chance to finish as a premiership winner and atone for a heartbreaking error during the 2015 grand final loss to North Queensland.
Ben Hunt is coming back to the Broncos.Credit: Getty Images
Canterbury had considered making a play for Hunt’s signature, but ultimately opted to stick with the playmakers on their books, including halfback Toby Sexton and youngsters Mitchell Woods and Cassius Tia.
Hunt could have potentially earned more at the Dolphins, who saw him as an ideal halves partner for young gun Isaiya Katoa. The Roosters, meanwhile, were interested in Hunt’s ability to play half and hooker at a time when Sam Walker and Brandon Smith are sidelined with injury.
