Ben Hunt’s family the bedrock which helps to give him perspective

BEN Hunt has endured a lot throughout his rugby league career, but none of it compares to that heart-stopping moment when his son Brady was born last October.

Ben Hunt with his son Brady and partner Bridget Hagen. Pic Annette Dew

BEN Hunt has endured a lot throughout his rugby league career, but none of it compares to that heart-stopping moment when his son Brady was born last October.

When Hunt’s longtime partner Bridget Hagan gave birth to their first child, he came into the world struggling to breathe.

For the Broncos halfback and his fiancee, it was a truly terrifying moment.

“He came out and he was a bit blue and wasn’t breathing. We were just in shock and didn’t know what to do. But the doctors were really calm,’’ Hunt said.

“I had a whirlwind of thoughts. When it first ­happened, I didn’t know if he’d be OK. But then I saw the doctors and how calm they were.”

When Hunt compares that moment with some of the other things he has experienced in rugby league — things such as his 2015 grand final heartbreak or getting dropped to the Ipswich Jets or the constant judgment he faces from fans and critics alike — it makes him realise that the tough times in football aren’t always that bad.

The tough times in football don’t compare with his family’s health. Pic Annette Dew

It’s a mantra that he has ­needed a lot this year, with the Dragons-bound halfback copping plenty of criticism for his decision to leave ­Brisbane and, at times, for his form.

But with his experience last year, and with Bridget’s unwavering support, he can handle the lows a lot better.

“Once Brady did start breathing and screaming, it just makes you feel relieved and happy,” he said.

“No matter what happens at training or during a game or with the outside world, I know I have my family at home. It’s a safe place.”

Instagram image of Broncos player Ben Hunt with his son Brady after he was born.

Brady, who is almost 10 months old, is now a very ­active baby, crawling and climbing.

For Bridget, he is the ­couple’s “purpose”.

“Brady is my purpose, my reason and my motivation to be the best version of myself that I can be,” she wrote on her new health and wellbeing website, bridget-hunt.com.

For Hunt, Brady and Bridget are his reasons to keep on going and defying the critics.

“We’re lucky to have a healthy baby,” Hunt said.

“That’s something some people don’t get. We’re just very grateful that we did.

“My family believe in me and love me no matter what. It’s an amazing feeling.”

Originally published as Ben Hunt’s family the bedrock which helps to give him perspective