Ben Hunt to replace injured Bronco Andrew McCullough at hooker

AS they look to snap a 10-year title drought, the Brisbane Broncos will put their faith in departing halfback Ben Hunt to replace injured hooker Andrew McCullough in the No.9 jersey.

Ben Hunt at Broncos training. Picture: Peter Wallis

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BEN Hunt will replace injured Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough in the No. 9 jersey for the remainder of the season.

Hunt trained predominantly at dummy-half on Monday morning as Brisbane started life without McCullough.

McCullough will undergo a knee reconstruction on Friday following a friendly fire incident with teammate Adam Blair.

The 214-game veteran’s absence is a major blow to Brisbane’s chances of snapping a 10-year title drought but Hunt is an experienced replacement.

Departing halfback Ben Hunt will replace injured Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough in the No. 9 jersey. Picture: AAP

Hunt, who will head to St George-Illawarra next season, cut his teeth in the NRL as a bench hooker before moving into the No. 7 jersey. He is expected to be replaced by Kodi Nikorima at halfback.

“Ben is a very smart player,” Broncos prop Korbin Sims said.

“Moving into the hooking role shouldn’t be a worry because he knows all the plays as well. I’m expecting him to be crafty around the ball.

“We’ve got a good system here where if one player slots out, another slots straight back in,

“They know their role and what to do.”

McCullough was on crutches and in a knee brace at Red Hill to lend some advice to his teammates.

“It’s going to be hard to try and fill his spot,” Sims said.

Andrew McCullough of the Broncos is carried from the field. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s a major competitor. He wants to win and the club to do really well.

“He’s been an integral part of the Broncos for a long time. It’s a shame to not have him at the back end of the year when we’re pushing for bigger and better things.”

The Broncos are battling to hold on to a top four spot and will face the depleted Titans at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday.

Originally published as Ben Hunt to replace injured Bronco Andrew McCullough at hooker