'I don't think I would question the drive': Ben Hunt's defiant call, response to critics 'taking shots'
Updated . First published at
Broncos veteran Ben Hunt admits the "shots" being fired at Brisbane could be "getting to some blokes" — but insists the team is still hungry to win after tasting ultimate glory.
The premiership winner also threw a spanner in the narrative that coach Michael Maguire's pre-season regime had disgruntled some players and left the squad overcooked, remarking that in his experience the summer just gone was easier than the first under "Madge".
The Broncos have been routinely bashed from the moment they lost to Hull KR in the World Club Challenge last month, with critics questioning just how much of a force the reigning NRL champions are as well as the drive in the squad.
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Brisbane's loudest critic has been former club captain Gorden Tallis, who claimed on Fox League's NRL 360 during the week that there was "absolutely" drama behind the scenes and said he'd heard whispers of Maguire's training methods causing issues.
Brisbane are now reeling from a 40-32 defeat to Parramatta at Suncorp Stadium on Thursday night, which follows a 26-0 drubbing at the hands of Penrith at Lang Park and a 30-24 loss to Hull KR in the UK.
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Broncos players lick their wounds after losing 40-32 to the Eels at Suncorp Stadium. Getty
Hunt was asked by Wide World of Sports in the sheds after the loss to Parramatta if the negative commentary was affecting the group.
"I can't speak for everyone, obviously, but it doesn't affect me," Hunt replied.
"I've been around long enough to know that there's always going to be noise when you lose some games and what not.
"Look, it could be getting to some blokes. I don't know.
"... With the Broncos, everyone's always gonna take shots at us. We're the reigning premiers and we've come out and started bloody ordinary, so I don't see why they shouldn't be taking shots."
Hunt believes the group is still hungry to win after running down Melbourne in the 2025 grand final to claim Brisbane's first NRL premiership since 2006.
"I do think the drive is still there. I really do. Like, everyone comes into training every day, works their butt off, does all the right things," he said.
"... We started the game really well [against Parramatta], but it's just lapses in concentration and discipline and compounding errors, and then we're just killing ourselves.
"But, yeah, I don't think I would question the drive."
Brisbane looked a shell of themselves in defence on Thursday night, seemingly crumbling whenever the Eels found themselves deep in Broncos territory.
Star middle forward Patrick Carrigan conceded in an interview with Broncos legend Sam Thaiday on Nine after the game that the team had taken "shortcuts" in defence.
Hunt doesn't think the pre-season is to blame.
"We had a bloody tough pre-season last year. We really did," Hunt said.
"To be honest, I think this one was probably a bit easier than last year's, with how I felt anyway. I'd go as far to say last pre-season was harder. So I don't think that's an excuse."
