Billy Slater cops worrying Ben Hunt update as Broncos coach Michael Maguire responds to dilemma

Michael Maguire has admitted he isn't bothered if Ben Hunt plays State of Origin next year even though the Broncos recruit has cast doubt on his availability giving Queensland coach Billy Slater a dilemma. Hunt finally confirmed his move back to Brisbane having reportedly signed a two-year deal worth $600,000 a season at the club.

New coach Michael Maguire has already hinted at Hunt's leadership qualities as a key reason why they brought him home, which will most likely seem him play alongside Adam Reynolds in the halves to start the season.

However, his latest deal - which will carry him through to the likely end of his NRL career - could also spell a change for Queensland. While Hunt and Daly Cherry-Evans are expected to play State of Origin in 2025, there are no guarantees the veterans will put their names forward.

Hunt is 34 years old and has joined the Broncos in search of a premiership. And the halfback will be expected to give his all to the Broncos having pushed for a move back to Queensland.

While Hunt was selected for Mal Meninga's Kangaroos squad for the Pacific Championship, the veteran didn't feature in the three games. The utility will be 35 years old by the time the next Origin team is selected.

He may also be forced to play a number of roles for the Broncos, depending on how Maguire lines-up with the players in 2025. And Hunt admitted he is weighing-up his future in the State of Origin arena as he begins life for a second time in Brisbane.

“I’m not too sure," Hunt told Peter Badel at The Courier Mail. “At some stage I will have to make a decision on State of Origin. Right now I want to get into next year, have a fresh start at the Broncos and see how the start of the season is going and that will take care of Origin level.”

While many might feel the Broncos could be keen to keep Hunt at club level, Maguire has shut down any qualms about his participation in Origin. The Broncos coach said he would be happy to let the 34-year-old line-up for Queensland again, even though Maguire masterminded a win for NSW in the last Origin series.

“I would never deny anyone the chance to play Origin, you learn so much in that arena, so if Hunty is picked for Queensland that’s great," Maguire added. While admitted he was aware he didn't want to let down the Maroons in the final years of his career having just suffered a demoralising series defeat to NSW.

Billy Slater to weigh-up Queensland changes

Hunt isn't Slater's only concern for the 2025 State of Origin series. Manly's Cherry-Evans is 35 and will be turning 36 before Game 1. Cherry-Evans and Hunt may not want to go out on a series loss at home at Suncorp after succumbing to Maguire's Blues team.

However, the toll Origin takes on the body is huge and James Tedesco is a great example. The former NSW captain didn't play Game 2 and 3 after being dropped, but managed to put together one of his best NRL seasons in recent years with his body holding up towards the end of the season.

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Whether it is in 2025 or beyond the Queensland coach will have to weigh-up changes to the Maroons spine with Cherry-Evans and Hunt seemingly only having one more series in them. Cherry-Evans' decision would have to come sooner rather than later to give Slater more time to select a replacement halfback and captain.

Hunt has been sharing the No.9 role with Harry Grant in recent years. Grant has become arguably the best dummy-half in the game and could be seen as an 80 minute player going forward if Hunt opts to focus on NRL footy with the Broncos.

Meanwhile, NSW are still on the search for a new coach after Maguire's sudden exit. Laurie Daley has firmed as the favourite with Matt King also a possibility to take over the role.