Sam Scarlett could be the bolter to replace Dragons-bound Ben Hunt

INSPIRED by Brisbane legend Darren Lockyer, Sam Scarlett is ready to state his case to be Ben Hunt’s replacement.

Broncos Training. Sam Scarlett. Pic Mark Calleja

SAM Scarlett hails from the same bush town as Broncos legend Darren Lockyer and the pint-sized halfback is determined to emulate his childhood hero by calling the shots from Brisbane’s scrumbase.

Scatlett was only 11 when Lockyer returned to his home town Wandoan, population 665, to deliver awards at the Wandoan Wildcats’ presentation night.

A decade later, Scarlett has not forgotten the Lockyer legacy as he sets his sights on replacing Dragons-bound Ben Hunt in the Broncos’ No. 7 jumper next season.

The apprentice electrician provided spark to Brisbane’s backline against Ipswich last week and will press his NRL claims when he starts at halfback against Wynnum tonight at Kougari Oval.

Scarlett has been a standout in the Queensland Cup.

“It’s a massive year for me,” said Scarlett, who is off contract this season. “Everyone would love to put their hand up for Hunt’s spot, but I need to play well at Queensland Cup level first and see what happens.

“I need to go back to Souths Logan and try to have a good year for them.’’

Scarlett said he had learned a lot from Ben Hunt and five-eighth Anthony Milford.

“They are good blokes and happy to teach you a few tricks,’’ he said. “They are among the best in the game at what they do so it’s been good working off them.

“I feel I’ve got the ability step up and it’s my dream to play NRL. If I get the opportunity to play halfback for the Broncos, I’ll take it with both hands.”

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Milford can certainly appreciate Scarlett’s talent.

Playing for former club Penrith, an 18-year-old Scarlett faced Milford’s former club Canberra and comprehensively outplayed the five-eighth whiz-kid in his under-20 debut.

At 176cm and 83kg, Scarlett may lack size but he possesses the heart that saw Lockyer outclass much bigger opponents.

“I’m from the same town as Locky and everyone back home is pretty proud of what he achieved,” Scarlett said.

“Locky once came to our presentation night for the Wandoan Wildcats. Playing a similar position to him, he was my idol growing up, so it would be nice to also wear the Broncos jumper in the NRL.

“I’ve always been smaller so I pride myself on my defence and I work hard on that. I don’t like people saying I’m too small, so I try to get up hard in the defensive line and hold my own.’’