Michael Maguire shuts down ugly claim surrounding Ben Hunt after securing Brisbane Broncos move

Brisbane coach Michael Maguire has revealed teammates of Ben Hunt spoke so highly of the veteran halfback during their time at representative level that he wanted to bring the 34-year-old into the Broncos fold. Hunt made it very clear he wanted to finish his NRL career back home in Queensland and he got his wish with the Broncos offering him a reported two-year deal worth $600,000 a season.

Maguire revealed he had spoken to Hunt before his arrival and discussed the possibility of the veteran playing both No.9 and in the halves. The Broncos have had a settled halves pairing in Adam Reynolds and Ezra Mam for two years now.

However, Mam's potential absence to start the season could see Hunt slide right next to Reynolds to form a formidable pair. While the veteran wanted a move back to Brisbane, reports suggested Hunt didn't want to uproot his young family from Sydney having lived in the state capital for years.

Hunt also needed to find a club that could give him a role with two years left in his career. The former Dragons captain came under criticism after his exit from the club with claims his leadership was questioned.

Hunt endured a tough season in 2024 and came under fire for his side's late-season collapse that saw them drop out of the top eight. In the Dragons' season review Hunt, whose contract was worth around $1 million a season, he was reportedly told "his performances – including his defence, kicking game and leadership – when his team’s finals hopes hung in the balance were not befitting of his standing in the side". And according to SMH’s Danny Weidler, Hunt was deeply hurt and offended at being 'salary shamed'.

However, Maguire admitted it was the praise from his Queensland and Kangaroos teammates that helped him lure to Brisbane. Maguire was weighing-up chasing the veteran, with the Broncos under a salary cap squeeze, but admitted his teammates at representative level spoke so highly of his leadership. This included in the recent Kangaroos camp.

"His character in the change room is going to be enormous. I was fortunate to talk to a few of the guys in the last Australian campaign. Everyone tells me how much of a great leader and presence that he had, but he didn't play," Maguire said on SEN Radio.

"That says a fair bit about his character. Everyone was telling me that he was a big part of the success that just happened, but he didn't even kick the footy. That's the part I have enjoyed talking with Ben Hunt about, but his football does the talking. He is a world class player," Maguire added.

Broncos players such as Payne Haas, Reece Walsh and Patrick Carrigan have all played with Hunt at either State of Origin or international level. Carrigan most recently was selected for the Kangaroos and was alongside hunt in the Australian squad that won the Pacific Championship.

Ben Hunt looking at life after Broncos footy

While Hunt is set to play two years for the Brisbane club, he reportedly has secured a role after his career. The Broncos have reportedly snared Hunt for $1.2 million ($600,000 for two seasons), but have also offered the rep halfback a job for when his football career ends.

News Corp reported over the weekend: "Under NRL salary cap rules, in the final year of their career, a player can be paid off the salary cap as part of their transition into retirement. It is understood the role has to be documented and the payment has to be at market rates."

Many could feel Hunt has one-eye on retirement as he moves his family home to Brisbane where they will be closer to home. However, Maguire has moved to shut down any suggestions he is already looking to coast to the finish line.

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"I was very pleased with the organisation. Being able to present to a player and show them where we are going. It's nice to see an organisation all on the same place...exciting times. We also know we have plenty of work to do. That's one thing my talk to Benny was about," Maguire said to SEN Radio.

"He understands what is ahead of us. The work we need to put in. The boys are hard at it, at the moment, and we have to create a culture that is going to galvanise every day. He will be a big part of that progression."