Ben Hunt’s ambitions to impress Queensland coach Billy Slater ahead of the Maroons’ Game 3 roster announcement have suffered a significant setback, as the seasoned player could not demonstrate his fitness for the Broncos’ round 17 matchup against the Warriors. Hunt has been out of action since round 10 due to a hamstring injury but was believed to be on track for his NRL return in Saturday’s critical home game.
The Courier Mail revealed that Hunt was scheduled to undergo a number of fitness evaluations on his troublesome hamstring and stood a chance of being included in coach Michael Maguire’s 22-man team on Tuesday, provided he passed the tests without issues. However, Maguire has opted to play it safe and excluded him from the squad, after suggesting that the 35-year-old would only participate if he was completely fit. “Hunty is doing well,” Maguire stated to The Courier Mail. “We just need to ensure he is 100 percent ready to play. ” Following their impressive comeback victory against Cronulla in round 16, the Broncos moved up to fifth place on the ladder and are set to face off against a fourth-placed Warriors team eager to make amends for their unexpected defeat to a weakened Penrith side.
Maguire was optimistic that the inclusion of Hunt would provide him with his initial exposure to what many consider to be Brisbane’s primary spine. Fullback Reece Walsh is beginning to find his rhythm following his return from an injury, and Ezra Mam has rejoined the halves alongside Adam Reynolds after completing his nine-game suspension. Hunt’s transition to hooker would round out the talented quartet. This is a position in which the seasoned player has excelled at the representative level for the Maroons and Kangaroos, offering Brisbane an additional creative dimension in their offense, along with vital experience in high-stakes games. Billy Walters and Cory Paix have competed for the No.9 jersey at Brisbane this season, but one will likely be sidelined once Hunt makes his comeback.
Maguire had hoped Hunt would be ready to take on the Warriors this Saturday, but he has opted to delay his return until the following week’s match against the top-ranked Bulldogs. With Slater expected to announce his Maroons squad for the Origin decider after this weekend’s matches, Hunt’s prospects of rejoining Queensland appear limited. Hunt has previously been Slater’s favored No.9 in earlier Origin series, collaborating with Harry Grant in a dual-hooker arrangement for Queensland. Notably, the Maroons’ victory in Game 2 in Perth marked their first win in five matches with the Storm star starting at hooker.

Grant was outstanding for the Maroons in Game 2, delivering a remarkable 55 tackles and a try assist in Perth, demonstrating that Slater may not require another hooker after playing the entire 80 minutes. Kurt Mann also shone during his 36 minutes on the field, contributing a try assist, 19 tackles, and three tackle breaks from 35 running meters.
Mann brought significant energy off the bench for Queensland but seems to be the most likely candidate to make way if Hunt were to achieve an unexpected Origin recall. And given the stakes of the series in hostile territory, along with Hunt’s experience on the grandest stage, the veteran could still retain a slim opportunity.
Brisbane hooker Billy Walters has yet another opportunity to secure a place in the top 17 before the return of Ben Hunt, and he plans to seize it.
Hunt is expected to come back from a hamstring injury against Canterbury next week or the Gold Coast in round 19, where the assumption is that he will assume either the No.9 or No.14 position, displacing starting hooker Cory Paix or Walters.

This indicates that Saturday’s home match against the Warriors is a crucial moment for Walters and off-contract Paix to maintain their positions. “I feel like everyone’s position’s up for grabs,” Walters stated.
“You have got to be playing good footy or you’re not going to be in the team. So I don’t know which direction Madge (coach Michael Maguire) is going to take. ”
“It’s mainly been up to me and Paixy to evaluate who is performing well or who can contribute the most to the squad, so I guess we’ll find out in the weeks ahead.

I keep asking Dozer (Hunt) about his return, hoping he can delay it a bit longer to ensure I secure my spot on the team, but even if I’m not selected, I will continue to push hard to regain my position. In rugby league, situations can shift rapidly, so one must always be prepared and seize the chance when it arises. “
Hunt began the season as the five-eighth, but with Ezra Mam’s comeback, he is set to take his place at hooker upon his return.
Walters noted that it’s risky to delve too deeply into concerns about his position being threatened.

“If you start thinking like that, it leads to overanalyzing, which can create anxiety and interfere with your best performance,” he remarked.
“You shouldn’t dwell too much on the future. It’s essential to savor every moment you wear the Broncos jersey, appreciate each opportunity you receive, and go out to deliver your best performance. “