Captain courageous: New Dragons leader Ben Hunt responds to his critics

Ben Hunt is no stranger to public criticism, and the pressure is set to ramp up now he is the captain at the Dragons – here’s why he took the job.

MUDGEE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 27: Ben Hunt of the Dragons in action during the Charity Shield & NRL Trial Match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Glen Willow Regional Sports Stadium on February 27, 2021 in Mudgee, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Ben Hunt is already the $1 million halfback at St George Illawarra, a position which for three years and counting has seen his game, his character, all of it, dissected, debated, even derided.

So as for some little ‘c’ adding more pressure?

“Nah, I don’t think so,” Hunt laughed this week.

“I think I’m already there (at the limit).

“Over the past couple of years there has been plenty of pressure on me and I understand that.

“It’s my job to perform and that’s what I have to do.”

One the eve of his first game as St George Illawarra’s new captain, Hunt has opened up on the sleepless nights, private phone calls and incredible example set by Queensland Origin legend Darren Lockyer that eventually convinced him to accept the new leadership role.

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Ben Hunt is ready to lead the Dragons in 2021. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

Currently, the jury remains out on Hunt’s ability to lead a Dragons outfit many are tipping for the wooden spoon, with Fox Sports analysts Matthew Johns and Michael Ennis recently questioning if the No. 7 was too “sensitive” for the role, especially given he had previously “struggled” under pressure.

But Hunt is convinced the opposite will prove true.

Quizzed on the question marks surrounding his new gig, the Dragons playmaker said: “It’s definitely something I’ve thought a lot about — is the captaincy going to pull me down?

“When Hook (coach Anthony Griffin) first asked me about accepting the role, he gave me a weekend to consider it.

“And for those couple of nights, I really struggled to sleep thinking about things.

“But I talked with a few people.

“Parents, close friends, people I trust.

Anthony Griffin and Ben Hunt’s connection goes back to their days together in Brisbane. Picture: Jono Searle

“And I came into training Monday fully committed

“Because the more I thought about it, the more I talked with people, I really believe it’s going to make me a better player.
“I believe the captaincy is going to be the best thing for me and take me out of my comfort zone.
“It won’t pull me down.”

Hunt added that he has also been buoyed by the belief of incoming coach Griffin, with the pair having been close since their days with Brisbane U/20s.

“When someone new takes on the captaincy, there’s always talk that it could go the wrong way,” the halfback continued. “That in taking on the role, you could push things more than you should.

“But Hook believes the captaincy will take my game to another level.

“He’s said that putting some more … not expectation, but a greater workload on my shoulders, it will bring out my game and help me to play some better footy.”

Despite having shifted between halfback and hooker last year, Hunt said now Griffin wanted stability for both himself and No. 6 Corey Norman.

MUDGEE, AUSTRALIA – FEBRUARY 27: Ben Hunt and Corey Norman of the Dragons look dejected after conceding a try during the Charity Shield & NRL Trial Match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Glen Willow Regional Sports Stadium on February 27, 2021 in Mudgee, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

“Hook has a lot of belief in myself and Corey,” he continued. “He’s been right into us since the day he got here, saying he wants us to be his halves pairing.

“Which is always good to hear.

“When the coach believes in you, it gives you belief and confidence.

“The last couple of years, that has obviously waned.

“Which has definitely been my fault too.

“When you aren’t playing good footy it forces the coach to make changes.”

So as for a captain he plans to model his own leadership on?

“The best example of a captain I‘ve seen, and I was lucky enough to play with him, was Darren Lockyer,” Hunt said

“I look back on how he led, he wasn‘t very vocal or outspoken.

“He led with his actions.

“That’s the kind of captain I want to be.”