Hunt considers hooker role
HE arrived to solve St George Illawarra’s halfback woes but Ben Hunt is considering a permanent switch to hooker.
Ahead of wearing the No.9 jersey for the first time in a representative game, Hunt revealed he had thought long and hard about becoming a full-time dummy half.
He starred from the bench at hooker for Queensland in Origin III after dominating in the role for Brisbane at the end of last season.
“I’ve had a fair bit of thought about it to be honest since that last Origin,” Hunt said. “Every time I’ve had the opportunity to play there I felt like I’ve played pretty well.
“Look, wherever the coach wants to play me I’m happy to play there, whether it’s half or hooker.
“(Playing hooker) simplifies me a lot more. I’m more worried about getting the forwards moving forward and getting the ball to the halves when they want it.
“I think it’s just a lot simpler game plan for a dummy half. I think it’s why I play some good footy there.”
The form of St George Illawarra hooker Cameron McInnes would mean a switch at club level for Hunt is unlikely. Hunt will back-up Damien Cook for Australia’s two Tests later this month but will start in the No.9 jersey for the PM’s XIII side against PNG on Saturday in Cook’s absence.
Hunt will compete for a bench spot with Tyrone Peachey in the opening Test against New Zealand.