Home at Heart: Hunt Opens Up on Broncos Return After Regret Over Leaving”
Ben Hunt has laid bare his lingering regret after departing the Brisbane Broncos years ago, reflecting on what might have been—and why the chance to return held such allure. Speaking from the heart, the veteran playmaker candidly admitted, “It was always in my heart that if there were to be an opportunity to finish my career (at the Broncos)… I was going to take it” (sen.com.au, sportnation.nz).
Hunt’s emotional journey back to Brisbane is rooted in a mix of unfinished business and deep personal connection. He acknowledged the harsh reality of his split from the St. George Illawarra Dragons— a breakup that became “untenable” by its end—yet his bond with the Broncos never wavered (sen.com.au, nine.com.au). His 334‑game career began and flourished in Brisbane, and the pull of returning “to the place where he started” remained strong despite lucrative offers elsewhere (sen.com.au, FOX SPORTS, news.com.au).
Financially, the Broncos’ two‑year offer—rumoured at about $600,000 per season—came in lower than the sizable $1.4 million proposal from the Dolphins (news.com.au). However, what Brisbane offered went beyond numbers: a sense of belonging, a post-career role at the club, and a return to roots. It was, in Hunt’s words and actions, too compelling to pass up (news.com.au, nine.com.au, liveplusfinance.com, Reddit).
The move back wasn’t without its complexities. Hunt had nearly committed to the Sydney Roosters, weighing up professional and family ties. But ultimately, “my heart… always kept taking me back to Brisbane,” he shared, underscoring the emotional gravity of his choice (FOX SPORTS, Reddit). His commitment was confirmed with a two-year deal aligned with his wish to finish his career with the Broncos, who he watched faithfully throughout his years away (The Queenslander, newsstation2, news.com.au).
Upon his return, the timing couldn’t be better for both Hunt and the club. With five-eighth Ezra Mam facing a lengthy suspension, Hunt’s versatility in the halves—and even at hooker—gave the Broncos a critical tactical edge heading into 2025. His arrival alongside veteran Adam Reynolds promises not only on-field competency but leadership and experience to guide a hopeful premiership push (news.com.au, liveplusfinance.com, ABC).
The emotional weight of his 2015 grand final heartbreak—Brisbane’s golden-point loss—has followed Hunt for years. His return feels like an opportunity for redemption, both personal and professional. He openly spoke of that internal drive, the unfinished business at Red Hill, and how much it meant to come full circle (The Queenslander, homecoming to the Brisbane Broncos represents a rare narrative: a star returning to his roots with redemption and resolve. As he steps onto the Red Hill field again, it’s clear this is more than a contract—it’s a heartfelt proclamation that some stories are meant to come full circle.
