Hunt in mix for No. 7 spot
FORMER Brisbane halfback Ben Hunt – the maligned playmaker the Broncos released to keep Anthony Milford – is now the frontrunner for the Queensland No. 7 jumper.
The Townsville Bulletin can reveal Hunt has leapfrogged Cowboys sensation Michael Morgan and Manly’s Daly Cherry- Evans in the Origin halfback pecking order following his sizzling start at new club the Dragons.
The $ 6 million man has piloted the unbeaten Dragons to the premiership lead and he has the chance to turn the screws on Morgan and CherryEvans by dominating the Rabbitohs tonight at Kogarah’s Jubilee Oval.
Maroons hierarchy have been impressed by Hunt’s transformation at the Dragons, and he only needs to maintain his form to clinch the coveted Queensland No. 7 jumper for Origin I at the MCG on June 6.
On the eve of the new season, Maroons selector Darren Lockyer said Cameron Munster and Morgan had the inside running as Queensland’s halves. But Hunt’s form burst has changed their thinking.
Morgan missed the opening fortnight with an abdominal strain and has since produced two below- par displays, leaving him in danger of being axed to the Queensland bench.
Hunt made his Origin debut last season off the bench in the Suncorp decider, playing just eight minutes, but Maroons coach Kevin Walters confirmed he has rocketed into the frame to succeed Cooper Cronk.
“Ben has hit the ground running at the Dragons – he’s right in the mix for the No. 7 jumper.
“Hunty has accepted the challenge at his new club really well, he has been outstanding,” Walters said