'Pretty handy': Michael Maguire's hint on Ben Hunt role amid Broncos spine puzzle

Broncos coach Michael Maguire has remained coy on Ben Hunt's role this season after the veteran dropped a hint during a radio interview this week.

Hunt split his time between the halves and hooker last season, but will come off the bench against Hull KR in the World Club Challenge.

The 35-year-old and his Broncos teammates have been over in the UK since last week to prepare for the clash, which no Australian side has won since the pandemic.

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Speaking on 4BC Breakfast on Wednesday morning, Hunt revealed he would not start the game, with it since being confirmed that Cory Paix would play dummy-half.

"I'm just laying up in the room, trying to stay warm ... I think it was one degree here today and felt like minus two or something like that," Hunt said.

"I actually said to Madge [Michael Maguire], because I'm coming off the bench, that I'm gonna be up in the dressing room and send me a radio call when you need me to go on."

Hunt is expected to play more hooker this season with Ezra Mam and Adam Reynolds in the halves, but could be also be used as a bench utility if Paix does wear the No.9 jersey after Billy Walters was sidelined due to an ACL injury.

Speaking to media before the game, Maguire didn't give much away about Hunt's role for the 2026 campaign, but did hint things could change on a week-to-week basis.

"That's gonna keep evolving," he said.

"At some stage we will change, whether I feel it's the right thing to do or whether the team feels it's the right thing to do.

"Having the ability of someone like Hunty to come off the bench is pretty handy for us."

But before the Broncos turn their attention to the season proper, Hunt admitted Penrith's defeats in 2023 and 2024 would motivate his side against the Super League champions.

"We're definitely taking it really seriously," he said.

"For the last three or four weeks, it's all Madge has been drilling into us, so we're not coming over here for a holiday, we're preparing really hard and know it's gonna be tough.

"The last few games of the World Club Challenge, England have had the wood over us, so it's up to us to get one back."

Hunt is coming into the final year of his contract with the Broncos - his second stint with the club - but is expected to re-sign for 2027 as well.

As it stands, Hunt has played 355 first grade games and if he does get through another season unscathed, only Cameron Smith (430) would remain ahead of him.

"It definitely would be wonderful to have, but not something I'm motivated by," he said.

"I've always said that as long as I'm healthy and feel like I can play some good football and offer something of use to the team, I'd always want to play on.

"I love the game, I love being around this club and teammates and everything it offers.

"As long as I'm healthy and playing well, I'm more than keen to play on."

Brisbane's clash with Hull KR will kick off at 6.30am AEDT on Friday morning.

The strong English side will feature former NRL players including Peta Hiku, Tom Amone, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Karl Lawton and Rhyse Martin.

Brisbane Broncos World Club Challenge squad

Grant Anderson, Patrick Carrigan, Jack Gosiewski, Payne Haas, Ben Hunt, Jaiyden Hunt, Corey Jensen, Josiah Karapani, Ezra Mam, Deine Mariner, Blake Mozer, Cory Paix, Adam Reynolds, Jordan Riki, Gehamat Shibasaki, Kotoni Staggs, Ben Talty, Aublix Tawha, Reece Walsh, Xavier Willison