Ben Hunt hints at end to State of Origin commitments to focus on Brisbane Broncos role

Queensland coach Billy Slater faces a succession plan with the Maroons in danger of losing their skipper Daly Cherry-Evans and a Broncos bound Ben Hunt.

Marquee Brisbane recruit Ben Hunt has revealed he is weighing up his State of Origin future in a bid to prolong his NRL career with the Broncos.

Fresh from inking a two-year deal for a Red Hill homecoming, Hunt says he is a year-to-year proposition for Queensland and is undecided about suiting up for the Maroons next season.

Hunt and his Queensland skipper Daly Cherry-Evans have been key figures for the Maroons in recent years under the tutelage of Origin coach Billy Slater.

But Slater faces a succession plan in the spine with the Maroons in danger of losing not only Cherry-Evans, but also Hunt as he prepares to embark on a premiership pursuit with Brisbane.

Hunt and Maroons halfback Cherry-Evans are expected to be available for next year’s series but the 2025 campaign could represent an Origin swansong for the champion duo.

Hunt turns 35 next March, while Maroons halfback Cherry-Evans is 36 in February.

Maroons stalwarts Ben Hunt and Daly Cherry-Evans. Picture: Getty Images

Cherry-Evans is off-contract next year and is considering a 12-month extension with Manly, while Hunt’s two-year deal with the Broncos expires at the end of 2026.

Both are mindful of the rigours of the 27-round NRL competition and accept State of Origin may be an unfortunate casualty if they want to soldier on for their respective clubs in 2026.

Former Dragons skipper Hunt will be under enormous pressure to deliver at the Broncos next season and says his performance at Brisbane will dictate whether he puts his hand up for the Maroons.

Asked if the 2025 series will be his farewell to State of Origin, Hunt said: “I’m not too sure.

“At some stage I will have to make a decision on State of Origin.

“Right now I want to get into next year, have a fresh start at the Broncos and see how the start of the season is going and that will take care of Origin level.”

Since being handed his Origin debut by Kevin Walters in 2017, Hunt has become a valued member of the Queensland machine.

The former Dragons $6 million man received the Dick ‘Tosser’ Turner Medal after chalking up his 20th game for Queensland in Game Three this year.

QLD Maroons coach Billy Slater is facing a future without his captain Daly Cherry-Evans. Picture: Getty Images

Hunt has twice won the prestigious Ron McAuliffe Medal as Queensland’s best-and-fairest in 2019 and 2021, and in 2022, he famously scored the runaway, series-winning try in the decider at Suncorp Stadium.

In recent years, Hunt has shared Queensland hooking duties with Harry Grant, but is mindful of not failing the Maroons in his twilight years.

“It’s the ultimate arena of our game and I love playing for Queensland,” he said.

2025 could be an Origin swansong for Ben Hunt. Picture: Richard Walker

“It’s hard to say no to Origin, but it’s important I feel up to it within myself.

“I won’t play if I’m not up to it and I feel I will let the team down.

“If I’m still feeling good in myself, I will always put my hand up for Queensland.”

Brisbane coach Michael Maguire says Hunt will not be pressured by Broncos hierarchy to walk away from the Maroons.

“I fully support ‘Hunty’ if he wants to play for Queensland,” said Maguire, who led NSW to Origin series glory this year before quitting to take up the Broncos job.

“I would never deny anyone the chance to play Origin, you learn so much in that arena, so if Hunty is picked for Queensland that’s great.”