Broncos legend Corey Parker has warned Brisbane against re-signing his “great mate” Ben Hunt, and reckons locking down several young guns should be the priority for Michael Maguire’s side. Hunt is off contract at the end of 2026 but the premiership winner is in the process of negotiating a one-year extension with the Broncos after revealing that he’s “definitely keen” to play on next season.
Reports suggest South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett has also reached out to Hunt about a potential one-year deal with the Bunnies in 2027. While it’s understood the PNG Chiefs are among the other NRL clubs interested in landing his signature before they enter the league in 2028.
The Brisbane Broncos have been warned against re-signing premiership winner Ben Hunt (bottom row, third from R) for another season in 2027. Pic: Getty
But with Brisbane skipper Adam Reynolds set to retire at the end of this season and Payne Haas leaving for the Rabbitohs, Hunt’s leadership and experience could be invaluable for Maguire’s Broncos. Jonah Pezet is set to arrive from the Eels after this season to compete for a halfback spot alongside the likes of Tom Duffy. And the Broncos may see Hunt as the perfect mentor for their young playmakers.
The veteran is currently on around $550,000 a season, and the double departure of Reynolds and Haas will free up salary cap space at the club. But Parker believes that money would be better spent on locking down some of Brisbane’s talented crop of youngsters – and re-signing off-contract hooker Billy Walters – rather than extending Hunt for another year.
Corey Parker cautions Broncos against re-signing Ben Hunt
“I’m a great mate of Benny Hunt’s,” Parker said on SEN radio. “But I don’t know that there’s a need to re-sign him – there’s enough people in that organisation to nurture and bring young guys through.
“He would be making $500k minimum; Walters, Pezet, Duffy and the younger brigade can have their money beefed up to hold them at the club. You don’t need a lot to say ‘we see a future with you, you can use some of Hunt’s money’. You have to put yourself as a business first.”
Hunt – who is currently sidelined with a knee injury – has been used largely off the bench this season with Cory Paix preferred at No.9 and Reynolds and Ezra Mam in the halves. But the versatile playmaker said earlier this week that his preference was to succeed Reynolds in the No.7 jersey next year.
Ben Hunt (centre right) says his preference is to succeed Adam Reynolds (centre left) in the No.7 jersey for the Broncos in 2027. Pic: Getty
(Darrian Traynor via Getty Images)
“I’m definitely keen to lock in a position and I’d love to play halfback,” Hunt told News Corp. “We know ‘Reyno’ is retiring and they’ve got Jonah Pezet coming next year. But I’m going to be trying to play at halfback because that’s my preferred position and I still think I can do it.”
However, Parker reckons that opportunity could come at Souths, who are yet to table new deals for halves pair Cody Walker or Jamie Humphreys beyond this season. “There’s a rumour going around that (Wayne) Bennett has asked for Hunt and his services at Souths for a year,” Parker added. “Humphries and Walker haven’t been re-signed at Souths; it could be a reverse Reynolds.”