Ben now the hunted for Maroons

QUEENSLAND hierarchy have turned up the heat on Ben Hunt, telling the new playmaker to take control of the Maroons as the former Broncos halfback prepares for the biggest test of his career in Origin I.

Hunt was yesterday celebrating the highpoint of his NRL road after being officially crowned Queensland’s halfback successor to Cooper Cronk for the series opener against NSW tomorrow week at the MCG.

But Maroons coach Kevin Walters has already spelled out the responsibilities facing Hunt, ordering him to own the Queensland team in the same fashion as former halfbacks Cronk and Allan Langer.

In just his second Origin game and first starting appearance, Hunt will seek revenge against NSW halfback rookie Nathan Cleary, who outpointed him in Penrith’s 28-2 rout of the Dragons last Saturday night.

Cronk won 16 of 22 Origin games as Queensland’s clinical shot-caller and Walters has privately made it clear to Hunt that he must stamp his playmaking authority on the Maroons.

“It will be Ben Hunt’s team – Kevvie has basically told him that,” said Queensland chairman of selectors Gene Miles.

“Ben Hunt will have to do some organising with ‘GI’ (Greg Inglis) on the left-hand side of the field.

“He’s been doing a very good job for St George (Illawarra) and we want Ben to transition that to Origin football.

“His kicking game has vastly improved and he will be required to kick with Cameron Munster (halves partner) as well.”