NRL 2024: Ben Hunt opens up on ugly split from Dragons, addresses possible return to Brisbane Broncos

With Ben Hunt officially on the lookout for a new club, Broncos star Pat Carrigan has declared he will use his time with Hunt at the Kangaroos to engineer a Red Hill reunion.

NRL 2024 RD02 Dolphins v St. George Illawarra Dragons - Ben Hunt. Picture: NRL Photos

Broncos star Pat Carrigan has declared he would love to see Kangaroos teammate Ben Hunt back in a Brisbane jumper as the star playmaker broke his silence about his ugly split from the Dragons.

Hunt hinted he was strongly considering a return to Red Hill, revealing his priority was to sign with a club which could win a NRL premiership.

Hunt agreed there would be an element of “romanticism” by rejoining Brisbane, the club where he debuted in 2009.

St George Illawarra terminated the final year of Hunt’s contract last week after agitating for a release for more than a year. His link to Brisbane comes as some Broncos players return to training today for the first time under new coach Michael Maguire.

Ben Hunt admits he has a soft spot for Brisbane. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

Speaking from inside Australian camp as they prepare to face Tonga in the Pacific Championships final, Carrigan said the prospect of Hunt joining the Broncos was exciting.

“I spoke to ‘Madge’ (Maguire) and he said I had one job – not to play but just get Benny to sign with the Broncos. We’re working on it this week,’’ Carrigan joked.

“Knowing Benny personally, I was a young pup when I went to the club as a 15 or 16-year-old and he was around the place. You said the word romantic, it would be awesome to have him back at the club.

“Benny is a leader and his stature in the game, playing the representative footy he has, (he is) still doing it week-in, week-out and can do it in a number of positions, which is important for any club.”

Brisbane’s interest comes as the club prepares for five-eighth Ezra Mam to be slapped with a hefty suspension by the NRL, or possibly deregistered, following a car accident which led to a positive drug test.

“Brisbane will always have a soft spot for me,” Hunt said.

“I have been involved with the club since I was 12 and they put a lot of work into me.

“If I had the opportunity to go finish there it would be special but we have to see if that can work.

“The biggest priority is enjoying my footy and trying to go somewhere to win a competition. It’s pretty obvious I’m getting to the back-end of my career.

“I’ve only got a few years left and I’d really like that opportunity to go to a team that I think can win one.

“There are a lot of things to weigh up.

“Obviously I’ve got a small family now, moving them, where are we going to go?

“I definitely think I’ve got two good years in me, for sure and then after that we’ll reassess. I’ve been extremely lucky throughout my career with no injuries. The body is still feeling good.”

Hunt admitted his frustration at the Dragons’ ugly drama unfolding publicly while in camp with Australia.

Pat Carrigan is on a mission to get Ben Hunt back to Brisbane. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“Yes, it’s been frustrating,” he said.

“It dragged out a bit so it’s good that it’s gone now. I guess there’s some weight off the shoulders and we can move on.”

While conceding Brisbane was an option, Hunt refused to rule out remaining in Sydney.

“I’m definitely open to it, mate. No doors are shut anywhere,” he said.

Hunt will kick-start his pursuit of a new club after this Sunday’s Pacific Championships final against Tonga at Parramatta.

He wants to play for another two to three years, meaning he could retire after 2026 aged 37, but denied having personally started talking to any clubs.

“No, not yet. My management is obviously talking to different clubs,” he said.

Ben Hunt admitted his frustration with the way his Dragons exit played out publicly. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“I just want to get through this Aussie stuff first and really focus on that for the next week and then map out and work out (my future).

“The team and Mal deserve that for putting me here so I will put it on the backburner for a week and sort it out then. I’m going good, mate. I’m feeling refreshed.”

Hunt has been named 18th man for both Australia’s games and is likely to be overlooked again for Sunday’s final.

“Everyone is eager to go,” he said.

Asked for his thoughts on Tonga’s epic win over New Zealand, Hunt heaped praise on their effort.

“They were impressive, especially in that first half,” he said.

“They are a big, powerful side who really play to their strengths. They will take a lot of confidence out of that performance.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: Ben Hunt opens up on ugly split from Dragons, addresses possible return to Brisbane Broncos