'Can't go past what I see': Ben Hunt facing the axe for Origin opener amid mixed Broncos form
Ben Hunt is facing increased pressure to keep his spot in the Queensland team for this month's State of Origin opener as the Broncos continue to yield mixed results.
The veteran playmaker moved back home to Brisbane this season after a rollercoaster tenure at the Dragons, where he struggled to lead the side to on-field results, despite establishing himself as one of the game's elite players and a staple at Origin level.
Hunt has played some good football for the Broncos across the opening nine rounds, but was disappointing in recent losses against the Warriors and Panthers.
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Ben Hunt during last year's Origin camp. Getty
The 35-year-old has been used in both the hooker and bench utility roles in recent series under coach Billy Slater, but that could be coming to an end soon.
One of Hunt's former teammates at club and rep level, Corey Parker, believes pressure from another Maroons incumbent was too good to ignore ahead of the May 28 clash.
"For the last 10 years, Ben Hunt has been the No.14 and he's found that role and done his job," the former Queensland forward said on SEN Radio.
"Unfortunately for Ben, I can't go past what I see from Tom Dearden.
"So for me, Tom Dearden goes into that 14 role."
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Dearden played five-eighth in all three Origin games last year, but with the return and form shown by Cameron Munster, it appears unlikely the Cowboys skipper would retain the No.6 jumper for game one against the Blues.
Queensland have found success over the years utilising halves in the bench utility role, which has become such a vital part of Origin football.
Tom Dearden during last year's series. Getty
Cooper Cronk and Daly Cherry-Evans, while biding their time waiting for a starting spot, spent time on the bench for the Maroons during their era of dominance - and there's reason to believe Dearden could give the side a similar boost when fatigue sets in.
There will be plenty of other selection headaches for Slater ahead of the first game of the series, with spots up for grabs in the backline and forward pack.
Parker believes the form of Corey Horsburgh could see him earn a starting spot alongside the returning Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, while back-rowers Jeremiah Nanai and Jaydn Su'A should be starting together after their form in 2025.
"Tino is a huge inclusion because he wasn't there last year - this is what excites me - and Corey Horsburgh I'm rewarding consistency, he's in the front-row," Parker said.
"Nanai, on the back of being dropped to reserve grade over a month ago, has been back to his scintillating best, and here's plenty of aggression with the likes of Su'A."
Corey Horsburgh NRL Imagery
Parker has called for one fresh face in the team, with Titans edge forward Beau Fermor pushing for a debut despite the issues the club have faced this year.
Corey Parker's Queensland Maroons team
- Kalyn Ponga
- Xavier Coates
- Valentine Holmes
- Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
- Selwyn Cobbo
- Cameron Munster
- Daly Cherry-Evans
- Corey Horsburgh
- Harry Grant
- Tino Fa'asuamaleaui
- Jeremiah Nanai
- Jaydn Su'A
- Patrick Carrigan
- Tom Dearden
- Tom Gilbert
- Beau Fermor
- Reuben Cotter
Reserves: Ben Hunt, Jaxon Purdue
