Ben Hunt’s mental battle and the keys to victory in Brisbane’s clash with St George Illawarra

THE battle for Ben Hunt isn’t against the opposition and his talent is undeniable, it’s the mental game where the Dragons halfback falls flat writes DARREN LOCKYER.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — JUNE 11: Ben Hunt of the Dragons catches his breath during the round 14 NRL match between the Canterbury Bulldogs and the St George Illawarra Dragons at ANZ Stadium on June 11, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

THE stage is set for Ben Hunt.

When Hunt runs out on Sunday in front of 50,000 fans at Suncorp Stadium, facing the Broncos club he quit to sign a massive $6 million deal with the Dragons, it will be his time to show he can own the big moments.

The Broncos-Dragons sudden-death finals blockbuster will witness a number of fascinating narratives but the million-dollar question is whether Hunt will truly back himself to engineer a Red V boilover.

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Here are the five key elements that will decide whether Brisbane keep their premiership dream alive or the Saints go marching on.

1. HUNT THE HUNTER

TALENT is not the issue for Ben Hunt. The real battle is personal … between his ears.

I was captain of the Broncos when Ben was handed his top-grade debut for Brisbane in 2009, so I know what makes him tick, and have first-hand experience of his ability.

Hunt has his critics who believe he’s incapable of delivering a premiership. he needs to back himself.

Self-belief, rather than a lack of skill, is the only thing holding Hunt back. Every playmaker craves a big performance in a big game to fuel their confidence and Hunt will break the mental shackles if he topples the Broncos.

Hunt’s for has been inconsistent since Origin. AAP Image/David Moir.

There’s no doubt his axing as Queensland halfback for Origin III this year would have affected him.

Hunt has copped some brickbats in recent weeks but the return of halves partner Gareth Widdop will ease the strain and give him the latitude to back his forte — his running game.

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2. STAGE LEFT FOR BRONCOS

BRISBANE need to fix their left-edge defence to threaten the top-four big guns. Of the top-eight teams, Brisbane statistically have the worst defence, having leaked 500 at an average of 20.8 per game. Teams historically don’t win titles with such defensive numbers, although the Broncos have improved their intensity without the ball in the past month.

Their left edge still needs finetuning. Manly scored a soft try last week when Anthony Milford failed to slide out, a by-product of a lack of communication which they can’t afford against the Dragons.

Milford needs to own the organising of the left-side which includes Jordan Kahu and Tevita Pangai Jr, who is superb in attack but is still learning the nuances of defensive responsibilities on an edge.

The Broncos’ midfield forwards need to win the ruck to make it easier for the edge defenders.

Milford must own the Broncos left edge defensively. AAP Image/Dave Hunt.

3. FRIZELL FACTOR

THE Dragons need to get Tyson Frizell into the game to have any hope of victory.

Brisbane’s defensive data this season is evidence they can provide scoring opportunities for teams and Frizell is the Jason Taumalolo-like wrecking ball who can bust them open on the fringes.

Frizell has had a handy back-row ally this season in NSW Origin debutant Tariq Sims, so the Dragons possess a one-two punch on the edges to test Brisbane’s smaller defenders Milford and Kodi Nikorima.

Dynamic and powerful, Frizell represents the energy of St George Illawarra’s pack. The Dragons must find a way to get him firing.

4. FRONT-ROW FIREWORKS

THERE’s nothing better than watching a hungry young front-row pup going after an old dog. This is a great opportunity for Broncos prop Matt Lodge to stamp his authority against Dragons hardman James Graham.

Lodge, still only 23, has come a long way from round one, when the engine-room greenhorn threw the ill-fated intercept for Hunt’s matchwinning try in the Dragons’ 34-12 rout of Brisbane at Kogarah.

Lodge has enjoyed a top season for Brisbane. AAP Image/Darren England.

Lodge has done a superb job playing all 24 games this season and he produced his best game a month ago against the Cowboys.

English Test enforcer Graham, as tough as old boots, will relish this contest and the battle will become personal. At 118kg, Lodge is the one Broncos forward with the size and toughness to stand up to Graham.

5. WAYNE’S WORLD

BRISBANE coach Wayne Bennett is the ace up the Broncos’ sleeve. Finals games are as much physical and tactical as they are mental and Wayne simply relishes the sudden-death atmosphere.

Bennett is renowned for his mind games but in the playoffs, his monk-like calmness is the key. He knows the hard work is done. He gives his players simple messages, all the while oozing a sense of relaxation that rubs off on the playing group.

Mentally, the Dragons are all over the shop at the moment. Bennett knows they are vulnerable. The super coach will pick at their fragility. If the Broncos come charging out of the blocks, they have the momentum and big-game players to slay the Dragons.

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Originally published as Ben Hunt’s mental battle and the keys to victory in Brisbane’s clash with St George Illawarra