Broncos halfback hunting Origin No.7 jumper
BEN Hunt has declared himself ready to replace Cooper Cronk in the Queensland No.7 jumper as Wayne Bennett challenges the Maroons rookie to steer the Broncos to the finals.
The Maroons halfback spot shapes as a selection headache for coach Kevin Walters with Cronk yet to formally decide whether he will continue his glittering Origin career next season.
Queensland’s succession plan for Cronk is complex, with Walters to consider the claims of Daly Cherry-Evans, Ashley Taylor and Hunt as part of a three-way shootout for the halfback role.
Hunt will join the Dragons on a $6 million deal next season and critics questioned the wisdom of St George Illawarra’s mega investment after he was axed to the Ipswich Jets a month ago.
But after fighting back to make a shock Maroons debut in last Wednesday’s decider, Hunt believes he is Origin quality and wants to prove it by being Queensland’s next longterm halfback.
“If Cooper isn’t there, then I’ll put my foot forward,” said Hunt after backing up from Origin III to help the Broncos to a 34-22 defeat of Newcastle on Saturday night.
“I want to take the opportunity (of succeeding Cronk) if I get it.
“It’s pretty common knowledge that the team is getting older and there’s a few players who will be moved on. Having that shot has given me a taste of Origin and it’s made me more hungry.”
For now, Hunt is focused on piloting the Broncos to the top four and Bennett is keeping him honest after spotlighting his inconsistency in Newcastle against the last-placed Knights.
While Hunt set up Brisbane’s opening try for Jordan Kahu with a cross-kick, he was guilty of two bad defensive reads that allowed the Knights to claim a 12-6 halftime lead.