'Dream come true': Ben Hunt confirms return to Brisbane Broncos on two-year contract
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Ben Hunt has officially signed with the Broncos on a two-year deal, capping off a shock full-circle moment for the veteran playmaker.
Following a messy contract saga after their 2024 campaign fell in a heap, Hunt was granted a release from the final year of his deal at St George Illawarra earlier this month.
The representative star reportedly phoned Michael Maguire on Tuesday to confirm he'd be joining the Broncos on contract worth an estimated $600,000 per season.
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Brisbane have since confirmed the news with a club statement as Hunt opened up on returning to the club where he began his NRL journey 15 years ago.
Ben Hunt is closing in on a return to the Broncos. Getty
"This is very special," he said.
"It was a tough decision for myself and my family, but in my heart it was really always driving me back to the Broncos, and in the end, it became really clear.
"To be able to finish my career at the Broncos is something that I never thought I'd have the opportunity to do and I'll cherish it. It's definitely a club that has meant a lot to me, I've been involved with the Broncos since I was 13.
"I've been away for seven years but I've watched every single Broncos game since I've been away - I never thought this would happen, so I'm pretty excited.
"The chance to head back and chase that premiership together is a dream come true."
Hunt has played well over 300 first grade games since making his debut for the Broncos back in 2009 and featured in the team's heartbreaking grand final loss in 2015.
A dejected Ben Hunt after the 2015 grand final loss. Getty
Broncos captain Adam Reynolds has welcomed the signing of Hunt, with the classy duo expected to partner in the halves in 2025 due to Ezra Mam's looming suspension.
"He could do a lot, he's a great player," the halfback said.
"He's a leader off the field as well, which is super important in any organisation.
"He's an X-factor among some of the game's greats and obviously it will be a big benefit getting him here. If you've got competition in the squad it's going to make you better."
"Ben would add to that if he did arrive here and that's not to say he won't make everyone else better in the team as well. He's a competitor, he brings a lot of experience to the game as well and no doubt he'd be a great addition to the squad if we can get him."
Adam Reynolds will be desperate to turn the Broncos around. Getty
After making a grand final in 2023, the Broncos bombed out of finals contention this year, leading to the appointment as Maguire as the new coach.
Hunt's arrival will bring plenty of points to Red Hill as the look to bounce back.
"Ben has been a Bronco since he was 13. Since then, he's proven himself at every level of the game.," Maguire said in a statement.
He'll bring us great depth and will be a wonderful fit for what we are building – not just on the field. He'll play a big part in building the culture we want to create together.
"Like all of us, Ben wants to achieve success and it would be incredibly special if he can do that back here. These types of storylines don't come up all that often."
Hunt spent seven seasons at the Dragons on a massive contract, making the finals once and cementing himself as a State of Origin and international player.
