State of Origin: Queensland hopeful Ben Hunt puts his hand up for hooker role if halfback bid fails

Dragons star Ben Hunt says he’d be comfortable filling the less familiar role of hooker for Queensland in State of Origin, if can’t get a starting gig in his preferred position of halfback.

Ben Hunt has been in great form for the Dragons this season.

Ben Hunt says he’d be comfortable filling the less familiar role of hooker for Queensland in State of Origin, if can’t get a starting gig in his preferred position of halfback.

St George Illawarra NRL star Hunt is a contender for both spots in the upcoming annual three-match series.

Manly halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, who is also considered a chance to captain the Maroons, could battle to make the opening game on June 5 because of an ankle injury.

Ben Hunt has been in great form for the Dragons this season.

Hunt is also a candidate for the No.9 shirt, with incumbent Andrew McCullough out of form and Jake Friend out for some time with a biceps rupture.

“I’d like to play halfback that’s my favourite position, but if he (Queensland coach Kevin Walters) wants me to play nine or a utility, it doesn’t bother me,” Hunt said.

“I talked to Kevvie (Walters) a few weeks ago and he didn’t really give me an indication of which position he’d like to me to play.

“But he informed he was pretty keen to have me in the team.”

Hunt, who has played four matches for Queensland, has only started at No.9 six times in the NRL and never in representative football.

He expressed no reservations about playing hooker at Origin level.

Ben Hunt says he would be comfortable playing in the No.9 at Origin level.

“I’m definitely comfortable doing it, I wouldn’t say I dislike it, it’s more I’d like to play halfback, it’s my favourite position,” Hunt said.

“I’ve played a lot of No.9 now and that utility sort of role.

“I’m more than happy to go in there and do the job. I’m feeling pretty confident in my defensive ability and I enjoy running out of dummy half.”

Given the choice of an Origin halves partner Hunt leant towards Cameron Munster, who he played alongside twice in last year’s series, over Cherry-Evans.

“If I’m in the halves I really enjoy playing with Cameron Munster and I’ve enjoyed playing with Daly as well,” Hunt said.

“But if I had to pick one, Cameron is a typical five-eighth, he’s a good ball runner and he’s playing exceptional at the moment and thats probably the guy I’d pick beside me.”

Originally published as State of Origin: Queensland hopeful Ben Hunt puts his hand up for hooker role if halfback bid fails