Brisbane Broncos legend's pointed message to Ben Hunt amid NRL star's family dilemma

Broncos great Brent Tate has suggested Ben Hunt has to weigh-up his post-footy career when making the decision for potentially the final couple of years of his career when signing his next contract. Hunt has been linked with a number of clubs since his tumultuous exit from the Dragons under Shane Flanagan.

The halfback has not hid from his desire to return home to Queensland, which has seen him heavily linked with the Broncos under Michael Maguire. However, reports have suggested Hunt is hesitant to move his young family from Sydney having settled down with his wife and two children.

This has seen him linked with the Roosters. Coach Trent Robinson has admitted the Roosters are open to signing Hunt with Sam Walker set to miss half the 2025 season due to an injury suffered against Canberra in round 26. And while Hunt is linked to a number of teams across the two states, Broncos great Tate has suggested he will need to way up his future after footy with a two-year deal probably expected to see out his career.

"I think it is a huge consideration. Planning post-football is really important," Tate said on SEN Radio. "I Think if he ends up at a club and there are further opportunities to work at the club, that will be a huge consideration."

But Tate said he would like to see him return to the Broncos with his love of the club an important factor when making a decision on his final contract. "I would like to see him back at the Broncos. I think he has unfinished business," Tate said.

"It's a club he has always loved. Even hearing his comments through the Pacific Championship there is still a real affinity he has got with the Broncos. Apparently his wife might want to stay down in Sydney, but I would love to see him back in Brisbane."

Brent Tate questions Ben Hunt's motivation for next deal

Reports suggest Hunt is reluctant to move his family from Sydney until after his career. However, Tate said the halfback would be weighing-up whether it's a move for his current career or whether he is looking for life after footy.

"He has got to understand what his drivers are. If he wants to win a competition, he has got to go to the strongest club he believes will do that. If he is going to move back to Queensland once he is finished, his career is over, I don't see why he wouldn't choose the Broncos or the Dolphins. If you have family back here in Brisbane, it is always a big piece of the puzzle.

"There is so much that foes into a decision like this. And I guess at the end of the day, it is up to Ben. Whether it is winning a comp, getting paid the most at a club or his family settled...he has got options."

Trent Robinson keeping an eye on Ben Hunt move

While Hunt has been continuously linked to the Broncos, Roosters coach Robinson has also opened up the possibility of signing the 34-year-old halfback. "He (Hunt) is an exceptional player and has done it for a long time," Robinson said. "People want a direct answer, but the thing is we've been clear about our squad for a while now.

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"Ever since Luke (Keary) made his decision (to leave the NRL for the Super League), we were really clear and happy with where we were heading over the next couple of years. But if the opportunity arises to accommodate that No.7 and No.9 positions in different ways, then we will. But it has to be right for the next couple of years as well."