‘It’s gone too far’: Ben Hunt calls out kick pressure penalties, hopes to continue dynamic ruck duo with Harry Grant

Most halfbacks would like as much time as possible to kick the ball, but one of the best in the business says they’ve been overly protected from kick pressure.

Veteran Dragons halfback Ben Hunt says the NRL’s policing of contact on kickers has “gone too far” and defenders should be rewarded for applying legitimate pressure that doesn’t jeopardise player safety.

It comes as NSW women’s State of Origin star Corban Baxter escaped with a grade 1 charge and a warning for dangerous contact on Zahara Temara that was far worse than what Harry Grant did when he was sent to the sin bin for brushing Cronulla’s Daniel Atkinson.

The Storm fought the case at the judiciary and Grant was found not guilty, with a number of other players charged this year on the back of some serious injuries to Lachlan Ilias (broken leg) and Brad Schneider (LCL).

The NRL is trying to protect kickers from potentially serious leg injuries, but Hunt – who is the chief kicker at the Dragons – says playmakers accept the risk when they take the field.

Harry Grant was sin binned for the tackle but beat the charge at the judiciary. Picture: NRL Images

“I’ve definitely noticed defenders getting closer, but everyone knows that they’re not allowed to hit us (kickers) anymore,” he said.

“I think it’s gone too far. I know they’re trying to make the game a lot safer, but a big part of the game is putting pressure on a kicker and trying to get errors out of them.

“It’s a tough one because they’re trying to make it safer, but you still want those plays where someone works their butt off to get out of the line and put some pressure on and spoils the kick.

“If you’ve got one foot planted and you kick, someone just needs to bump that other leg and it really throws you off balance.

“While I think (the Grant tackle) was a shocking penalty, it doesn’t take much to spin you off balance.”

Hunt’s defence of Grant comes ahead of the State of Origin teams being picked later this month, with the pair expected to again be used in tandem around the ruck.

The dynamic duo have played the past six Origin matches together for the Maroons, with Hunt starting the first five but coming off the bench in game three last year.

Ben Hunt and Harry Grant have formed a dangerous ruck duo for the Maroons. Picture: NRL Photos

Queensland coach Billy Slater has plenty of options, with Tom Dearden and Ezra Mam also in contention.

“I’ve spoken to Bill but not really about what’s going on with the team. He just checks in to see how I’m travelling and what he’s looking at,” Hunt said.

“He does that with about 30 players, but it is nice when you get a call from him.

“I’m definitely not expecting (to be picked), but I’d like for it to happen. I think Harry and I have a good thing going, and I hope Billy sees that as well.

“On the other end, we’ve got a number of young players putting their hand up to push into that side. Hopefully, I’m in, but it’s exciting to see the other guys come through.”

Hunt has been a mainstay of the Queensland team in a role he doesn’t play at club level, but you wouldn’t know with the Dragons star excelling around the ruck for his state.

“I find the organisation and the mental side of it pretty easy going from half to hooker,” he said.

“You’re going up to another level of footy where all the players are the best in their position, but you’ve just got to worry about yourself and do your job.

“When you do that, you simplify things and have a lot more time.

“It’s a lot more taxing, but it’s a lot easier mentally when I play hooker in Origin.”

Originally published as ‘It’s gone too far’: Ben Hunt calls out kick pressure penalties, hopes to continue dynamic ruck duo with Harry Grant