‘Always kept taking me back’: Hunt‘s big Roosters admission as his ‘heart’ made final Broncos call
Ben Hunt has broken his silence on his impending move to the Broncos, revealing he very nearly signed with the Roosters before deciding on a Red Hill return.
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As first reported by Fox League, Hunt’s set to sign a two-year deal worth a reported $600,000 per-season after being granted an immediate release by the Dragons.
The 34-year-old previously played 187 games for the Broncos between 2009 and 2017, having featured in Brisbane’s 2015 loss that saw him drop a crucial kick off.
Speaking on 4BC radio on Wednesday, Hunt explained that the Roosters were shaping as an enticing proposition to finish his NRL career.
“It definitely wasn’t always (going to be the Broncos) and that’s what made the decision process so long,” Hunt said.
“Having a family down here in Sydney, we had to weigh up whether it was the right move to come back to Queensland or stay down here and finish off before we move back.
“There were some Sydney clubs (Roosters) involved which made the process so difficult and long.
“In my heart it always kept taking me back to Brisbane and the possibility of finishing off my career where it all started.
Saifiti keen to be inform again | 01:36
“Going back to my beginnings is what really got us over the line in the end. The love for the place and what the club gave me in the early part of my career.”
Hunt also explained the allure of winning a competition at the club he began his career at drive his decision, saying: “Wouldn’t it be great to come back 10 years later and win a competition for that great club?
“That’s obviously the goal for every NRL player and I believe they’ve got the troops to do it and ‘Madge’ (Maguire) is going to be really good for the club.
“I’m hoping I can come up and contribute and win a competition.”
According to Code Sports, Broncos powerbrokers held a barbecue for the Hunt family before a second meeting took place in Sydney.
Hunt to sign two-year deal with Broncos | 00:35
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It was reported Hunt wanted to remain in NSW, however he ultimately decided to take his family back to Queensland.
Adam Reynolds is set to partner Hunt in the halves, with five-eighth Ezra Mam’s impending court date set to decide the length of his potential NRL suspension.
However, once Mam does return to the Broncos outfit, Hunt could shift to the hooker role, a position he’s played in for Queensland and Australia.
“Playing hooker definitely isn’t an issue for me,” Hunt said.
“If you bring Ezra into the side, you’ve got Reece (Walsh) at the back and ‘Reyno’ and myself, it’s a pretty handy spine.”
