The NRL has officially approved Ben Hunt’s contract, finalizing his move to the Brisbane Broncos more than two weeks after the club announced his signing. Hunt, a veteran halfback who spent seven years at the St George Illawarra Dragons, joins the Broncos on a two-year deal. His new salary is reported to be under $600,000 per year, a significant drop from the $950,000 he earned at the Dragons.
Hunt’s departure from the Dragons was marked by a desire to leave the club without a payout, agreeing to a release despite having no confirmed contract with his next team. This left him briefly without a contract and requiring independent insurance to play for the Kangaroos during the Pacific Championships. The last obstacle in his switch to Brisbane was getting his contract approved by the NRL’s salary cap auditor. The auditor needed to ensure his deal fit within the already tight Broncos salary cap, which includes high-profile contracts for players like Payne Haas and Reece Walsh. After a review, the NRL gave the green light, considering factors such as Hunt’s age and value.
Despite receiving a more lucrative offer from the Dolphins, Hunt chose the Broncos for the chance to compete for a premiership in the latter stages of his career. Reflecting on his decision at the time of his signing, Hunt said, “It was a tough decision, but deep down, I always knew I wanted to return to the Broncos. To finish my career here is something special.”
Having closely followed the Broncos’ progress during his time away, Hunt added, “This club has meant so much to me. I’ve watched every game for the past seven years. To have the opportunity to chase a premiership with them is a dream come true.”
Though the Bulldogs and Roosters were also in the running, the Broncos secured Hunt’s signature, which is a key move for the club. They plan to use him in the halves until Ezra Mam returns to the field. Later in the season, Hunt could shift to hooker, though the club will aim to balance his inclusion with the development of younger talents like Blake Mozer and Coby Black, both seen as rising stars in the competition.
Looking toward 2026, Hunt is expected to take over the halfback role as Adam Reynolds nears retirement and a potential coaching role at the Broncos. The club is also juggling salary cap considerations for upcoming contract extensions for players such as Selwyn Cobbo and Kotoni Staggs. Hunt is set to link up with the Broncos for pre-season training in the coming weeks.
