Hunt keen to meet great expectations

BIG-MONEY NRL recruit Ben Hunt believes his experience playing for Brisbane has prepared him for expectations on him to deliver for St George Illawarra this year.

All eyes will be on Hunt to lead the Dragons to the finals in his first season after being lured on a six-year deal worth a reported $1.2 million a year.

The incumbent Kangaroos and Queensland representa- tive said he had become accustomed to the pressure wearing the No.7 for the Broncos since 2013.

“It’s something that’s come along with me being a halfback for the Broncos. They’re a (one-team city),” Hunt said in his first interview since his arrival.

“There’s always been a lot of pressure on the Broncos up there and the players that play in the halves. I think I’ve learnt to cop it and move on now.”

The 27-year-old – who will be 33 by the time his contract is over – insists he will be ready to fire from their season-opener against his former club on March 8.

He will form one of the most potent halves combinations with Gareth Widdop.

“It’s what the Dragons have signed me for, they want me to come here and be a great player for their team and lead from the front along with Gareth,” he said. “That’s what my plan is, to come in and really hit the ground running.”

Hunt also admitted feeling like he had a point to prove after Broncos coach Wayne Bennett shifted him from halfback to hooker midway through last year. The move came after a long-term injury to Andrew McCullough.

“I want to be cementing my role here as the No.7, that’s what they brought me here for,” Hunt said.

“As a team, we’ve got the squad here to be in the finals. Anything less than that is going to be a disappointment.”