Alfie’s backing ignites fire in Hunt
MAROONS bolter Ben Hunt will channel the competitive fire of his hero, Queensland legend Allan Langer, as he braces for the Origin debut he feared had passed him by.
The Dragons-bound $6 million man will complete one of the greatest comebacks in NRL history when he runs out in Queensland colours in the Origin decider at Suncorp Stadium next Wednesday night.
Just a month ago there were fears Hunt had played his final Broncos game after being axed by coach Wayne Bennett and dispatched to feeder club Ipswich in the Intrust Super Cup.
Now Hunt is a bona fide Maroon who will become Queensland’s 193rd Origin player when, as the No.14 utility, he is pitchforked into the fray before 52,000 fans in the decider.
Queensland coach Kevin Walters has come under fire for blooding Hunt at the expense of Daly Cherry-Evans and the Broncos playmaker admits even he lost hope in his darkest hours at Ipswich.
“There’s been a lot of times that I thought I would never make Origin,” Hunt said.
“When I wasn’t playing the best footy and even getting dropped this year, things go through your mind.
“It changed for me … after Wayne gave me the message (he was dropped) that I need to get a positive attitude.
“I’ve played in front of a few big crowds at Suncorp and a grand final, but nothing will match what this game will be like come next Wednesday.”
Hunt wasn’t even born when Langer, Queensland’s greatest halfback, made his Origin debut exactly 30 years ago.
It was a shock of similar proportions. Langer was the diminutive 68kg halfback plucked from obscurity at Ipswich and thrust into the biggest match of his life against the Blues at Lang Park in 1987.
Langer played the last of his 34 Origin games in 2002, the year Hunt was spotted as a 12year-old by legendary Broncos scout Cyril Connell.
From his Rockhampton living room, Hunt dreamt of emulating Langer and the pair now work closely at Red Hill.
“Alfie Langer was a big hero of mine,” said Hunt, who last week received a glowing Origin endorsement from Langer.
“If Alfie says that I’m ready, that’s a massive wrap, that gives me more confidence.”