'World class player': Michael Maguire confirms Broncos interest in Ben Hunt
New Brisbane coach Michael Maguire confirmed the club will hold discussions with halfback Ben Hunt, telling media on Monday that negotiations are a "work in progress".
As the free agent playmaker scours the market for his next deal after parting ways with the Dragons, reports state Hunt will need to take a pay cut if he wants to make his reunion with the Broncos a reality.
Hunt had one year remaining on his deal worth a reported $1 million per season with the Dragons and could command that kind of money with rival clubs.
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Maguire confirmed the Broncos will approach Hunt once his duties with the Kangaroos conclude, calling him a "world-class" player.
Ben Hunt. Getty
"He's a great player, he's got plenty of experience," Maguire said.
"We all know what he is capable of and what he would bring to the place. Obviously it's about letting him go through the Australian space this week and after that he will probably sit down and work out what he wants to do.
"What it (Hunt's interest) does say is a fair bit about the place and the experiences he's had. Someone of his calibre coming in and around players we have shows how special the Broncos is. I will talk to the right people once he finishes with the Aussies."
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The Broncos salary cap is reportedly under pressure and they still may need to offload some players. Rival clubs like the Roosters, who have plenty of cap space available, could easily make a play for Hunt, despite re-signing Sam Walker last week.
Kotoni Staggs and Selwyn Cobbo have both hit the open market and Maguire told reporters they are players he would like to keep.
Maguire also addressed an incident involving Ezra Mam, who is awaiting the results of a second drug test after he was involved in a head-on collision which injured three people, while allegedly driving unlicensed.
"I couldn't tell you the timeline. That is a work in progress," Maguire said.
"Ezra is working on himself at the moment. I met Ezra four years ago and he is a good young man.
"He is going through a bit. I said 'if you own it you can deal with it moving forward', and that is something I know he is doing."
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