NRL 2023: Ben Hunt opens up on iconic State of Origin try, Dragons future

He may not be playing for a dominant club or have a premiership ring, but Maroons star Ben Hunt will always have the blissful moment he scored to win the 2022 series for Queensland.

Ben Hunt celebrates the Maroons victory during game three of the State of Origin Series in 2022. Picture: Getty Images.

He has no premiership ring nor the luxury of playing for a dominant club but Ben Hunt will always have the blissful minute when he busted the chains of his challenging world.

“It is the highest moment of my career – I will always cherish that moment,’’ Hunt said.

He was, of course referring to his runaway 70m metre try at Suncorp Stadium last season when he intercepted a Nathan Cleary chip-kick on the fly and hared away for the four pointer that secured Queensland a State of Origin series win two minutes from time.

Hunt jubilantly kicked the ball high into the frenzied crowd and the prime-evil roar he let out was that of a man venting all sorts of pent up emotions that still percolate in a career in which he always seems under the pump.

“I have seen it a few times,’’ Hunt said of the try. “Every time I watch it I still get goosebumps and a chill down the spine.

Ben Hunt says he gets goosebumps every time he rewatches his series winning try in Origin Game III 2022. Picture: Getty Images.

“Prior to catching it I noticed Cleary was going for a chip kick and I thought I would charge it down. I was lucky enough to catch it. Then my next thought was ‘don‘t get caught.’ It was pretty simple.’’

Hunt may not be Johnathan Thurston or Darren Lockyer but teammates enjoyed seeing his name up in lights as he is quietly admired for his unpretentious country boy resilience in the madhouse world that swirls around him.

Hunt faces a huge weekly challenge as he tries to keep the controversy plagued Dragons competitive despite their constant dramas, the latest of which has seen Hunt’s long-time friend Anthony Griffin sacked as coach.

An elated Hunt kicks the ball into the crowd after winning the game, and the series, for the Maroons. Picture: Getty Images.

“I have had some tough periods a few years ago but as time has gone on I have worked on different strategies to get away from it.

“One of the things is to get away from footy and completely immerse myself in my family (including children Brady and Bowie). Another is just practising gratitude. That is just the times when you do feel a bit down and you dive a bit deeper and it gets me in a good spirit and makes me happy with life.’’

Hunt does not attempt to hide the fact that the Griffin affair has been difficult to deal with but after closing down his social media accounts several years ago Hunt is at least shielded from the vicious world of online trolling.

“It was definitely a tough couple of months with all the stuff that went on in the media. I was pretty disappointed for Hook. I am pretty good mates with him and we have had a good relationship for a number of years now. It is never easy but I guess that is part of being a coach that life doesn‘t always go your way.’’

Hunt has two more years at the Dragons and is confident he can go the distance before thinking about hanging up the boots. Picture: Getty Images.

At 33, he is contracted to the Dragons for two more years and feels he can go the distance with that club.

“I feel I can play a minimum two years. It is tough to say though. At this stage I have every intention of filling it out. There is a lot going on down there at the moment.’’

Origin may be the supreme challenge for Hunt’s skills – particularly playing hooker – but it is also the time when he has to worry least about what is happening around him.

“The biggest difference for me at Origin is that you focus on your own role a lot more. You get in this arena and there is world class talent around you and everyone is doing their job. You really only have to know your job. The whole focus of the week is getting your job done.’’

Originally published as NRL 2023: Ben Hunt opens up on iconic State of Origin try, Dragons future