Ben Hunt says it would be a mistake if New South Wales overlooked Mitchell Pearce

BRONCOS halfback Ben Hunt says it would be a mistake for New South Wales selectors to overlook Mitchell Pearce.

Roosters Mitchell Pearce during the round 5 NRL game between the Sydney Roosters and the Canterbury Bulldogs at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park. Picture: Gregg Porteous

BRONCOS playmaker Ben Hunt says it would be a mistake for NSW to overlook Mitchell Pearce in this year’s Origin series, labelling him the best halfback in the competition.

Hunt is preparing for what he believes will be his biggest challenge so far this season, with the Broncos to host Pearce’s Roosters on Thursday night at Suncorp Stadium.

The Sydney club has lost just one game to start the year, with Pearce and his halves partner Luke Keary in fine form.

And their lethal combination is something Hunt is well aware of.

Pearce has never won an Origin series.

As he gets ready to meet Pearce on Thursday, Hunt paid his opponent the ultimate compliment, saying he would pose a huge threat to the Broncos.

“From what I’ve seen, Mitch is the best halfback in the game at the moment,” Hunt said.

“To start this year, the couple of games I’ve seen of him and Keary together have been excellent.

“It’s always a good challenge coming up against good halves. To win, we are going to have to control him.”

Hunt said Pearce’s form has been so good that he expected the 27-year-old to be recalled to the Blues side for Origin I next month.

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Pearce missed out on selection in last year’s series in favour of Adam Reynolds, James Maloney and Matt Moylan but Hunt believes NSW would be foolish to overlook him again.

“He’s got to be their first half picked,” Hunt said. of Pearce.

“He’s the in-form half of the competition. If the Blues leave him out, they’ll be making a big mistake.”

The Broncos will be desperate to get the two points over the Roosters, having just two wins from the opening five rounds.

Hunt has been in fine form despite the Broncos struggles.

The Broncos have not been playing badly, but are struggling to close out tight matches, with their losses to North Queensland, Melbourne and Canterbury all decided by three points or less.

Despite the close contests the Broncos have already endured, Hunt said Thursday’s meeting with Sydney would be his side’s toughest yet.

“It’s going to be our biggest challenge,” he said.

“I knew coming into the season that they were going to be one of the best teams this year. They have a quality side. They deserve to be the competition favourites.”

Originally published as Ben Hunt says it would be a mistake if New South Wales overlooked Mitchell Pearce