Ben Hunt took on the mantle of Maroons hooker and didn’t disappoint

The full 80 minutes played, 48 tackles made, a match-swinging 40-20 kick — and even one the NSW skipper’s boot. Ben hunt had his hands full in his debut as Origin hooker but he didn’t disappoint.

Ben Hunt did everything that was asked of him as hooker. Image: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

• Walters’ warning: We need to get better
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Ben Hunt was born in the central Queensland town of Dingo but he had to be part cattle dog to get through a successful debut as State of Origin hooker.

NSW had a plan to run at him — hard and frequently — but he defended with vigour to make 48 tackles.

He played the full 80 minutes and despite the regular onset of fatigue, just kept getting up and chasing the game, conjuring the poise to nail a curling, match-swinging 40-20 kick which was a key part of Queensland’s late surge to victory.

There were times when he threw a few ragged passes but that was understandable given his high workload.

Hunt knew he was a target for NSW. Image: AAP Image/Darren England

“It was a bit of a rollercoaster really,’’ Hunt said.

“There were periods where I was out on my feet and you got a bit of a breather. I felt like I handled it pretty well.

“Kevvie (Walters) said to me before the game he wanted me to run the ball. We got in at halftime and he gave me not so much a spray but said I needed to run the ball more.’’

Hunt did run the ball more and his second half was better than his first.

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“I felt in a way I got a second wind. I got into a groove and the boys around us found a lot of energy. It was more of a team effort and I was just on the back of it.

“I played in the middle a lot of times. You got through periods you are knackered and struggling but you just ride the wave and get through it.

As he stepped into some big shoes in a position held by a number of Queensland greats including Cameron Smith, Hunt made sure that one key rival was having trouble wearing his own.

Hunt did everything that was asked of him. Image: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

NSW captain Boyd Cordner wore one shoe for a portion of the game after losing it on the field. Hunt threw it behind play.

“I flicked it out the back. It was sort of in my hand and I thought: “I am not going to give it back to him.’’

Like coach Walters, Hunt feels there is improvement in the Queensland side.

“I felt at times in attack we were a little bit off so the more time we spend together the better off we will be.

“We will have another camp together and that will make it a little more crisp.’’

Hunt’s effort drew plaudits from former Queensland hooker Kerrod Walters who had been calling for his promotion.

“I think No.9 is his position,’’ Walters said.