Ben Hunt (rugby league)
{{Short description|Australian international rugby league footballer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}}
{{Use Australian English|date=July 2013}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
|name = Ben Hunt
|fullname = Benjamin Hunt
|image = Benjamin Hunt.jpg
|imagesize =
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1990|3|27}}
|birth_place = Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
|height = {{convert|178|cm|ftin|abbr=on}}
|weight = {{convert|88|kg|lb stlb|abbr=on}}
|position = {{rlp|HB|HK|FE}}
|club1 = Brisbane Broncos
|year1start = 2009
|year1end = 17
|appearances1 = 187
|tries1 = 45
|goals1 = 25
|fieldgoals1 = 0
|points1 = 230
|club2 = {{nowrap|St. George Illawarra}}
|year2start = 2018
|year2end = 24
|appearances2 = 147
|tries2 = 39
|goals2 = 5
|fieldgoals2 = 1
|points2 = 167
|club3 = Brisbane Broncos
|year3start = 2025
|year3end = present
|appearances3 = 8
|tries3 = 1
|goals3 = 0
|fieldgoals3 = 0
|points3 = 4
|teamA = Australia
|yearAstart = 2014
|yearAend = 23
|appearancesA = 15
|triesA = 4
|goalsA = 0
|fieldgoalsA = 0
|pointsA = 16
|teamB = Queensland
|yearBstart = 2017
|yearBend = 24
|appearancesB = 20
|triesB = 5
|goalsB = 0
|fieldgoalsB = 0
|pointsB = 20
|teamC = Prime Minister's XIII
|yearCstart = 2014
|yearCend = 23
|appearancesC = 5
|triesC = 0
|goalsC = 3
|fieldgoalsC = 0
|pointsC = 6
|teamD = Australia 9s
|yearDstart = 2019
|yearDend =
|appearancesD = 5
|triesD = 0
|goalsD = 0
|fieldgoalsD = 0
|pointsD = 0
|updated = 24 April 2025
}}
Benjamin Hunt (born 27 March 1990) is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays as a {{rlp|fe}} for the Brisbane Broncos in the National Rugby League and as a {{rlp|hk}} for the Queensland Maroons at State of Origin level.
He previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and St. George Illawarra as a {{rlp|hb}}. Hunt played for Australia at international level as a {{rlp|hk}} and bench utility from 2014-2023, winning the 2022 Rugby League World Cup Final, Hunt was also in Australia's title-winning inaugural 9's side in 2019. Hunt played for the Prime Ministers XIII on 5 occasions from 2014-2023.
Background
Hunt was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.{{Cite web |title=Official NRL profile of Ben Hunt |url=https://www.dragons.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/st-george-illawarra-dragons/ben-hunt/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325211500/https://www.dragons.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/st-george-illawarra-dragons/ben-hunt/ |archive-date=2021-03-25 |access-date=2021-07-26 |website=St. George Illawarra Dragons |publisher=National Rugby League}} He grew up in Dingo, playing junior rugby league with the Blackwater Crushers, in Blackwater before attending St. Brendan's College in Yeppoon.{{Cite news |last=Busch |first=Hannah |date=2016-04-21 |title=Ben Hunt brings childhood footy passion to Ipswich |work=The Queensland Times |publisher=News Corp Australia |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/ipswich/ben-hunt-brings-childhood-footy-passion-to-ipswich/news-story/8d71d01ab82e252a96dd59d92b7272c3 |url-access=subscription |access-date=2021-07-26}}{{Cite news |last=Williams |first=Guy |author-link=Guy Williams (rugby league) |date=2015-09-28 |title=Four CQ players in NRL Grand Final, mentored by Hansen |work=The Morning Bulletin |publisher=News Corp Australia |url=https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/rockhampton/sport/four-cq-players-in-nrl-grand-final-mentored-by-hansen/news-story/85cb6127bc8ed76fdd8acbe81beb910e |access-date=2021-07-26}}
Hunt's father Geoff played for Central Queensland during the mid-80s. Like his son would later be, Geoff Hunt was a halfback who played against the touring Great Britain Lions in 1984.[https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/geoff-hunt-tL/summary.html Geoff Hunt bio]
Playing career
File:Ben Hunt (28 July 2009, Sydney).jpg
Hunt signed with the Brisbane Broncos as a youth player as a Hooker. In 2008, Hunt won the inaugural 2008 Toyota Cup (Under-20s) player of the year award and was also named in the team of the year, on the interchange bench.{{Cite news |last=Ricketts |first=Steve |date=2008-09-11 |title=Broncos rising star Ben Hunt aims for schoolboys win |work=The Courier-Mail |publisher=News Corp |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/bronco-hunt-aims-for-cup/story-e6frep76-1111117449372 |url-status=live |access-date=2018-07-20 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120909062055/http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/bronco-hunt-aims-for-cup/story-e6frep76-1111117449372 |archive-date=2012-09-09}} Hunt played halfback in the 2008 Toyota Cup Grand Final. Hunt played 45 games, scored 27 tries and kicked 93 goals for 294 points in his U20s career from 2008 to 2009.{{cite web|url=https://18thman.com/national-youth-competition/players/h/|title=18thman - U20s Player Records|website=18thman.com}}
=2009=
In round 15 of the 2009 NRL season, Hunt made his NRL debut with the Brisbane Broncos at {{rlp|hb}} in a 12–46 loss to the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Remondis Stadium.{{Cite news |last=Jackson |first=Ed |date=2009-06-22 |title=Cronulla Sharks Beat Brisbane Broncos 45-12 |work=The Daily Telegraph |agency=Australian Associated Press |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/cronulla-sharks-beat-brisbane-broncos-46-12/story-e6frexrr-1225739343389 |access-date=2015-11-03}} Hunt went on to play one more match that season, in round 20 against the Gold Coast Titans in a 14–34 loss at Robina Stadium.{{Cite web |title=Titans demolish Battling Broncos 34-18 |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/gold-coast-titans-demolish-battling-brisbane-broncos-34-18/story-fn2mcuj6-1225754486191 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141120041036/http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/gold-coast-titans-demolish-battling-brisbane-broncos-34-18/story-fn2mcuj6-1225754486191 |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 November 2014 |access-date=2015-11-03 |website=Fox Sports}}
=2010=
In round 8, against the Newcastle Knights, Hunt scored his first NRL career try in Brisbane's 22–30 loss at Suncorp Stadium.{{Cite web |title=Knights Come From Behind to beat Broncos 30-22 |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights-come-from-behind-to-beat-brisbane-broncos-30-22/story-fn2mcuj6-1225919804169 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150404131542/http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/newcastle-knights-come-from-behind-to-beat-brisbane-broncos-30-22/story-fn2mcuj6-1225919804169 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 April 2015 |access-date=2015-11-03 |website=Fox Sports}} The 2010 NRL season was seen as a breakthrough season for Hunt, as he played in 20 matches. After some impressive performances, that included scoring two tries, many were calling for Hunt to get a run as a starting {{rlp|hk}}.{{Citation needed|date=May 2016}} Although Hunt stayed as a bench player, he demonstrated that he could be Brisbane's future {{rlp|hb}}.
=2011=
After a shaky start to 2011, Hunt regained his form with an impressive performance against the Canberra Raiders in the Brisbane clubs 20–4 win at Canberra Stadium in round 2.{{Cite web |date=2011-03-18 |title=Jharal Yow Yeh Lights Up in Second Half as Broncos Defeat Raiders 20-4 |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/brisbanes-winger-jharal-yow-yeh-lights-up-in-second-half-as-broncos-defeat-canberra-raiders-20-4/story-fn2mcuj6-1226024197232 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321214509/https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/brisbanes-winger-jharal-yow-yeh-lights-up-in-second-half-as-broncos-defeat-canberra-raiders-20-4/news-story/817a28b6e613545c1071b3e385c4dc5f?device=DESKTOP&editiondata=none&fromakamai=true&pt=none&wpa=BB44D82C3D7223D393F2AE47579FB5EA6791ABE4&nk=af985be272af946a20a8768c947d0dba-1616363109 |archive-date=2021-03-21 |access-date=2015-11-03 |website=Fox Sports}} After showing solid form off the bench, Hunt broke his finger in a round 9 clash against the Melbourne Storm,{{Cite news |last=Mascord |first=Steve |date=2011-05-08 |title=Griffin sticks by choice to rest wounded stars |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-report/griffin-sticks-by-choice-to-rest-wounded-stars-20110507-1edmm.html |url-access=limited |access-date=2015-11-03}}{{Cite news |last=McDonald |first=Margie |date=2011-11-22 |title=Ben Hunt, Corey Norman are the Leading Candidates to Replace Darren Lockyer |work=The Australian |publisher=News Corp |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/broncos-ben-hunt-corey-norman-are-the-leading-candidates-to-replace-darren-lockyer/story-e6frg7mf-1226201808762 |url-status=dead |access-date=2015-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612071805/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/broncos-ben-hunt-corey-norman-are-the-leading-candidates-to-replace-darren-lockyer/story-e6frg7mf-1226201808762 |archive-date=2015-06-12}} Hunt made his return in round 17 against the Parramatta Eels but was then stood down for a week with teammate Andrew McCullough after being charged with public nuisance following a night of drinking in the Brisbane CBD.{{Cite news |last=Marshall |first=Matt |date=2011-06-20 |title=Broncos stand down Andrew McCullough and Ben Hunt over off-field misbehaviour |work=The Courier-Mail |publisher=News Corp |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/broncos-stand-down-andrew-mccullough-and-ben-hunt-over-off-field-misbehaviour/story-e6frep5o-1226078543546 |access-date=2015-11-03}} Hunt later returned in round 19 in the Brisbane sides 30–10 win against the Gold Coast at Suncorp Stadium.{{Cite web |title=Broncos Host Titans in Round 19 NRL Clash |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/brisbane-broncos-host-gold-coast-titans-in-round-19-nrl-clash-at-suncorp-stadium/story-fn2mcuj6-1226095522671 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150404131559/http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/brisbane-broncos-host-gold-coast-titans-in-round-19-nrl-clash-at-suncorp-stadium/story-fn2mcuj6-1226095522671 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 April 2015 |access-date=2015-11-03 |website=Fox Sports}} Hunt went on to play in 19 matches and score a try for the Brisbane club in the 2011 NRL season.
=2012=
After the retirement of Brisbane captain Darren Lockyer, Hunt was nominated alongside teammate Corey Norman to fill the vacant {{rlp|fe}} position. The pair battled out in the trials but Hunt eventually lost out to Norman, leaving Hunt on the bench for round 1. In round 7, against the Canberra Raiders, Hunt and Norman both got the chance to showcase their skills on the centre stage with regular halfback Peter Wallace a late withdrawal through injury. Norman and Hunt didn't disappoint with the pair combining beautifully as the Brisbane side ran out 30-6 winners at Suncorp Stadium.{{Cite web |title=Terry Campese Injured in Raiders Loss to Broncos |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/terry-campese-injured-in-canberra-raiders-loss-to-brisbane-broncos-in-nrl-clash-at-suncorp-stadium/story-fn2mcuj6-1226326195819 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150404131557/http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/terry-campese-injured-in-canberra-raiders-loss-to-brisbane-broncos-in-nrl-clash-at-suncorp-stadium/story-fn2mcuj6-1226326195819 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 April 2015 |access-date=2015-11-03 |website=Fox Sports}} After the Broncos stumbled at the back end of 2012, losing 7 of 10 games en route to the finals, Hunt found himself in the five-eighth role with Norman dropped to the bench following poor form. Hunt found himself back on the bench as the Brisbane club were knocked out in the first week of the finals losing 33–16 against the North Queensland Cowboys. Over the course of the season, Hunt played in all 25 matches and scored a try.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}
=2013=
Hunt continued his bench role for the start of the 2013 NRL season as Brisbane made a shaky start. He got his first opportunity in his preferred halfback role in the round 9 clash against Parramatta, as Scott Prince suffered an injury in the opening minutes of the game.{{Cite web |title=Jarryd Hayne Field Goal Proves Crucial as Eels Grip on for 19-18 Win over Broncos |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/jarryd-hayne-field-goal-proves-crucial-as-parramatta-eels-grip-on-for-19-18-win-over-brisbane-broncos/story-fn2mcuj6-1226639999421 |access-date=2015-11-03 |work=Fox Sports}}{{dead link|date=July 2018|fix-attempted=yes}} On 14 May, Hunt signed a new two-year deal with the Brisbane side.{{Cite web |date=2013-05-14 |title=Hunt signs two-year deal with Broncos |url=http://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/hunt-signs-two-year-deal-with-broncos-9566/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125103307/http://www.zerotackle.com/nrl/hunt-signs-two-year-deal-with-broncos-9566/ |archive-date=2016-01-25 |access-date=2015-11-03 |website=Zero Tackle}} Towards the back end of the season, Hunt secured the halfback position after Peter Wallace was benched and Corey Norman was dumped to the Queensland Cup for the rest of the year, scoring a try in his first game.{{Cite news |last=Badel |first=Peter |date=2013-07-28 |title=Brisbane Broncos to fight to the final breath |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/brisbane-broncos-to-fight-to-the-final-breath/story-fni3gv5x-1226686814140 |access-date=2015-11-03}} He played in 23 matches and scored two tries in 2013.
=2014=
In February 2014, Hunt was selected in the Broncos runners-up 2014 Auckland Nines squad.{{Cite web |date=2014-02-14 |title=Squads For Auckland Nines |url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/squads-auckland-nines/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150626132934/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/squads-auckland-nines/ |archive-date=2015-06-26 |access-date=2015-11-03 |website=Rugby League Week}} In June 2014, Hunt was named in the Queensland Maroons 22-man squad for game 2 as cover for halfback Daly Cherry-Evans, but Cherry-Evans recovered in time for the game,{{Cite news |last=Lutton |first=Phil |date=2014-06-09 |title=Queensland Maroons name squad for second State of Origin match |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/queensland-maroons-name-squad-for-second-state-of-origin-match-20140609-zs29y.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2015-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924224308/http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/queensland-maroons-name-squad-for-second-state-of-origin-match-20140609-zs29y.html |archive-date=2015-09-24}} sending Hunt back to Brisbane. Hunt had an excellent season for the club, being one of the top contenders for the Dally M, finishing fourth in the votes and getting a pay rise to $450,000 a season.{{Cite news |last=Malone |first=Paul |date=2014-11-02 |title=Broncos half Ben Hunt capped off a dream debut by scoring for the Kangaroos against England |work=The Courier-Mail |publisher=News Corp |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/broncos-fans-fume-over-ben-hunt-dally-m-team-of-the-year-snubbing-as-dce-gets-halfback-gong/story-fniabm4i-1227074986688 |access-date=2015-11-03}} Hunt finished off the 2014 NRL season with playing in all of Brisbane's 25 matches, scoring 13 tries and kicking 21 goals.
On 14 October 2014, Hunt was selected for the Australia 2014 Four Nations 24-man squad.{{Cite web |date=2014-10-14 |title=Holden Kangaroos 2014 Four Nations squad |url=http://www.nrl.com/holden-kangaroos-2014-four-nations-squad/tabid/10874/newsid/82512/default.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125103307/http://www.nrl.com/holden-kangaroos-2014-four-nations-squad/tabid/10874/newsid/82512/default.aspx |archive-date=2016-01-25 |access-date=2015-11-03 |website=NRL.com |publisher=National Rugby League}} Hunt made his international debut for Australia against England at AAMI Park, coming off the interchange bench and scoring a try just after a couple of minutes of coming onto the field in Australia's 16–12 win. Hunt played off the interchange bench and scored a try in the Kangaroos 18-22 Four Nations final loss over New Zealand at Westpac Stadium. On 1 October 2014, Hunt re-signed with the Broncos until the end of the 2017 season.{{Cite news |last=Jackson |first=Ed |date=2014-10-01 |title=Brisbane Broncos re-sign halfback Ben Hunt |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/brisbane-broncos-resign-halfback-ben-hunt-20141001-10oi8f.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2015-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924222209/http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/brisbane-broncos-resign-halfback-ben-hunt-20141001-10oi8f.html |archive-date=2015-09-24}}
=2015=
In round 6, against the Sydney Roosters, Hunt scored 2 tries, one of them in golden point extra time, to win the match for Brisbane 22–18.{{Cite news |last=Lutton |first=Phil |date=2015-04-10 |title=Ben Hunt scores extra-time try as Brisbane Broncos edge out Sydney Roosters |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-report/ben-hunt-scores-extratime-try-as-brisbane-broncos-edge-out-sydney-roosters-20150410-1miopw.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2015-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107102711/http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-report/ben-hunt-scores-extratime-try-as-brisbane-broncos-edge-out-sydney-roosters-20150410-1miopw.html |archive-date=2015-11-07}} In round 25, against the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Hunt scored his first NRL hat trick of tries in the 47–12 win at the Sydney Football Stadium.{{Cite news |last=Carayannis |first=Michael |date=2015-08-27 |title=South Sydney's 47-12 defeat against Brisbane Broncos compounded by injury and discipline woes |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-report/south-sydneys-4712-defeat-against-brisbane-broncos-compounded-by-injury-and-discipline-woes-20150827-gj9gw3.html |url-access=limited |access-date=2015-11-03}} On 4 October 2015, in the 2015 NRL Grand Final against the North Queensland Cowboys, Hunt played at halfback in the Brisbane's historic golden point 16–17 loss. Hunt was heavily talked about after the match after a horror last three minutes, first being penalized for a lifting tackle on North Queensland centre Kane Linnett which resulting in Hunt being placed on report for the tackle. In Brisbane's last set with ball in the match, Hunt got his hands on the ball 44 metres out from Brisbane's line, but a loose carry resulted in a one-on-one strip from Kyle Feldt, who shortly after scored the try in the corner to tie up the match at 16-all. Four seconds into extra time, with the ball spiralling in the air, Hunt set himself underneath the ball but knocked on, which gave North Queensland the opportunity win the match when their captain, Johnathan Thurston, kicked the winning field goal.{{Cite news |last=Decent |first=Tom |date=2015-10-05 |title=2015 NRL grand final: Ben Hunt's three minutes of horror |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/2015-nrl-grand-final-ben-hunts-three-minutes-of-horror-20151004-gk14p2.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2015-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107094824/http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/2015-nrl-grand-final-ben-hunts-three-minutes-of-horror-20151004-gk14p2.html |archive-date=2015-11-07}}{{Cite news |last=Chammas |first=Michael |date=2015-10-05 |title=NRL Grand Final 2015: North Queensland Cowboys outgun Brisbane Broncos to win premiership |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Fairfax Media |url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-report/nrl-grand-final-2015-north-queensland-cowboys-outgun-brisbane-broncos-to-win-premiership-20151004-gk12is.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=2015-11-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151108050151/http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-match-report/nrl-grand-final-2015-north-queensland-cowboys-outgun-brisbane-broncos-to-win-premiership-20151004-gk12is.html |archive-date=2015-11-08}}{{Cite news |last=Toohey |first=Barry |date=2015-10-05 |title=NRL grand final player ratings: Broncos v Cowboys – who starred and who struggled? |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-grand-final-player-ratings-broncos-v-cowboys-who-starred-and-who-struggled/story-fni3fbgz-1227556818349?sv=d513a72ed0eabb4bbeaad8561926d617 |access-date=2015-11-03}} Hunt played in 26 matches, scoring 12 tries and kicking 4 goals.
=2016=
On 12 January, Hunt was selected in the QAS Emerging Maroons squad.{{Cite web |last=Webeck |first=Tony |date=2016-01-12 |title=Maroons name Emerging Origin squad |url=http://www.nrl.com/maroons-name-emerging-origin-squad/tabid/10874/newsid/91313/default.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006013303/http://www.nrl.com/maroons-name-emerging-origin-squad/tabid/10874/newsid/91313/default.aspx |archive-date=2017-10-06 |access-date=2017-01-23 |website=NRL.com |publisher=National Rugby League}} On 4 February, Hunt, along with eight other members of the Queensland Emerging squad, was banned from Queensland State of Origin selection for 12 months after breaking team curfew.{{Cite news |title=Anthony Milford & Ben Hunt Among Eight Players Set for State of Origin Bans |work=The Courier Mail |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/anthony-milford-ben-hunt-among-eight-players-set-for-state-of-origin-bans/news-story/614342b494e3dd7e22993f12c7769b0a |url-access=subscription |access-date=2017-06-05}} In round 10, against the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Hunt played his 150th NRL match in Brisbane's 30–6 win at Suncorp Stadium.{{Cite news |title=5 Things We Learned from the Broncos 30-6 Win Over Manly |work=The Courier-Mail |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/broncos/5-things-we-learned-from-the-broncos-306-win-over-manly/news-story/869e565bba423f38b83b75230881c1dc |url-access=subscription |access-date=2017-06-05}} Hunt managed still to play in all of Brisbane's 26 matches and score 7 tries. Hunt was added to the Australian Kangaroos 2016 Four Nations train-on squad but later failed to make the final 24-man squad.{{Cite web |last=Luca |first=Rocco |date=2016-09-20 |title=Kangaroos train-on squad announced |url=http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/kangaroos-train-squad-announced-2/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161023013118/http://rugbyleagueweek.com.au/kangaroos-train-squad-announced-2/ |archive-date=2016-10-23 |access-date=2017-01-23 |website=Rugby League Week}}
=2017=
On 23 January, after much speculation on Hunt's future at the Brisbane club, with the Parramatta Eels and St. George Illawarra Dragons interested in signing him from the 2018 season onward, Hunt agreed to sign a multimillion-dollar five-year contract with the St. George starting in 2018.{{Cite web |date=2016-04-07 |title=Ben Hunt signs with Dragons |url=https://www.zerotackle.com/ben-hunt-signs-dragons-25010/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202013141/https://www.zerotackle.com/ben-hunt-signs-dragons-25010/ |archive-date=2017-02-02 |access-date=2017-01-23 |website=Zero Tackle}}{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Nathan |date=2017-01-21 |title=Brisbane halfback Ben Hunt accepts St George Illawarra's lengthy multi-million dollar deal offer |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/st-george-illawarra-offer-brisbane-halfback-ben-hunt-lengthy-multimillion-dollar-deal/news-story/e42c28b0def0e5c290a6d3029aa10967 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121130751/http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/st-george-illawarra-offer-brisbane-halfback-ben-hunt-lengthy-multimillion-dollar-deal/news-story/e42c28b0def0e5c290a6d3029aa10967 |archive-date=2017-01-21 |access-date=2017-01-21 |website=Fox Sports Australia}} After starting the season well for Brisbane, in Round 6 against the Sydney Roosters, Hunt sustained a hamstring injury while performing a try-saving tackle on Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell,{{Cite web |last=Dean |first=John |date=2017-04-06 |title=NRL 2017: Ben Hunt's courageous tackle after suffering hamstring injury |url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/broncos/nrl-2017-ben-hunts-courageous-tackle-after-suffering-hamstring-injury/news-story/f3602aabbc5c8d71cbb007c6d6144e16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203073440/http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/broncos/nrl-2017-ben-hunts-courageous-tackle-after-suffering-hamstring-injury/news-story/f3602aabbc5c8d71cbb007c6d6144e16 |archive-date=2018-12-03 |access-date=2017-10-03 |website=Fox Sports}} and was sidelined for 6 weeks. On 8 June, after the Brisbane's lost back-to-back matches after Hunt's return to the squad, Hunt was dropped to the Queensland Cup to play for the Ipswich Jets by coach Wayne Bennett. Bennett preferred Kodi Nikorima after he showed strong performances during Hunt's absence, resulting in 6 straight wins.{{Cite news |date=2017-06-08 |title=Broncos drop Ben Hunt for Souths NRL clash |work=Wide World of Sports |publisher=Nine Digital |agency=Australian Associated Press |url=http://wwos.nine.com.au/2017/06/08/10/02/broncos-drop-ben-hunt-for-rabbitohs-clash |url-status=live |access-date=2017-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004043425/http://wwos.nine.com.au/2017/06/08/10/02/broncos-drop-ben-hunt-for-rabbitohs-clash |archive-date=2017-10-04}}{{Cite news |last=Badel |first=Peter |date=2017-06-08 |title=Brisbane Broncos drop out of form Ben Hunt for Rabbitohs clash |work=The Courier-Mail |publisher=News Corp |url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/broncos/brisbane-broncos-drop-outofform-ben-hunt-for-rabbitohs-clash/news-story/cd8589fd02ef9bd388ce8410afb788a7 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=2017-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608031023/http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/broncos/brisbane-broncos-drop-outofform-ben-hunt-for-rabbitohs-clash/news-story/cd8589fd02ef9bd388ce8410afb788a7 |archive-date=2017-06-08}}
A month following Hunt's shock dropping, he was selected on the bench for Queensland for Game 3 of the State of Origin Series due to injuries to Darius Boyd and Jonathan Thurston in Game 2. Queensland won the series by defeating New South Wales 22–6.{{Cite web |title=State of Origin: Queensland player ratings game three |url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/2017/07/13/08/38/state-of-origin-queensland-player-ratings-game-three-2017/14 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721102909/https://wwos.nine.com.au/2017/07/13/08/38/state-of-origin-queensland-player-ratings-game-three-2017/14 |archive-date=2018-07-21 |access-date=2018-07-21 |website=Wide World of Sports |publisher=Nine Digital}}{{Cite news |last=Matthey |first=James |date=2017-07-12 |title=Queensland defeats NSW in Origin III at Suncorp Stadium |language=en |work=News.com.au |publisher=News Corp |url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/live-state-of-origin-iii-queensland-vs-nsw-at-suncorp-stadium/news-story/2af735144e966b5ecde461566661fc8b |url-status=live |access-date=2018-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316194114/http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/live-state-of-origin-iii-queensland-vs-nsw-at-suncorp-stadium/news-story/2af735144e966b5ecde461566661fc8b |archive-date=2018-03-16}} Hunt finished his last year with the Broncos with 21 matches and 7 tries. Hunt was selected in the 24-man Australia Kangaroos 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad.{{Cite news |date=2017-10-03 |title=Kangaroos World Cup squad announced |language=en-AU |work=National Rugby League |url=http://www.nrl.com/kangaroos-world-cup-squad-announced/tabid/10874/newsid/112704/default.aspx |url-status=live |access-date=2018-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210162353/http://www.nrl.com/kangaroos-world-cup-squad-announced/tabid/10874/newsid/112704/default.aspx |archive-date=2017-12-10}}{{Cite news |date=2017-11-07 |title=Ben Hunt says being dropped by Wayne Bennett may have been a turning point in his career |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/broncos/ben-hunt-says-being-dropped-by-wayne-bennett-may-have-been-a-turning-point-in-his-career/news-story/85ea1803ebae5f05e0d93fc76c0bc1f0 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=2018-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202041213/https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/broncos/ben-hunt-says-being-dropped-by-wayne-bennett-may-have-been-a-turning-point-in-his-career/news-story/85ea1803ebae5f05e0d93fc76c0bc1f0 |archive-date=2017-12-02}} Hunt only played in 1 match in the tournament which was playing off the interchange bench in the Kangaroos 34–0 win over Lebanon at Sydney Football Stadium.{{Cite news |date=2017-11-11 |title=Australia vs Lebanon, Rugby League World Cup updates |language=en |work=News.com.au |url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/live-australia-vs-lebanon-rugby-league-world-cup/news-story/0adcf2481eae0ad6f2ecba8cd323f0c3 |url-status=live |access-date=2018-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721144149/http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/live-australia-vs-lebanon-rugby-league-world-cup/news-story/0adcf2481eae0ad6f2ecba8cd323f0c3 |archive-date=2018-07-21}}
=2018=
On 28 January, reports came out about Hunt and Cameron Munster being involved in a punch-up in a night out in Darwin during the Kangaroos 2017 World Cup campaign after the 46-0 smashing victory over Samoa. The pair didn't take part in the match beforehand and Munster was reportedly sent home from the squad.{{Cite news |date=2018-01-30 |title=Kangaroos stars Cameron Munster and Ben Hunt in World Cup punch on |work=News.com.au |publisher=News Corp |url=http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/kangaroos-stars-cameron-munster-and-ben-hunt-in-world-cup-punch-on/news-story/5d3b3dfb47441eb16330a17117d6b8c3 |url-status=live |access-date=2018-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180515163324/http://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/kangaroos-stars-cameron-munster-and-ben-hunt-in-world-cup-punch-on/news-story/5d3b3dfb47441eb16330a17117d6b8c3 |archive-date=2018-05-15}} In Round 1 of the 2018 NRL season, Hunt made his club debut for the St. George Illawarra Dragons against his former team the Brisbane Broncos, starting at halfback where he was running riot against his old teammates and scored a try under the posts by intercepting a wayward pass from Brisbane prop Matthew Lodge in the Dragons' 34–12 victory at Jubilee Oval.{{Cite news |title=Dragons $6 million man: Ben Hunt immediately repaying faith with starring role in Red V debut |work=The Daily Telegraph |url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/teams/dragons/dragons-6-million-man-ben-hunt-immediately-repaying-faith-with-starring-role-in-red-v-debut/news-story/525923f899532409c099bb2655904d76 |url-access=subscription}}
On 28 May, Hunt was named as halfback to represent the Queensland Maroons in the 2018 State of Origin series. He was named in the side after brilliant form for his NRL club the St. George Illawarra Dragons and he was a major factor in St. George's sublime start to the season in which they won their first 6 games. Hunt was replaced as halfback by Cherry-Evans during State of Origin III, during the match he was allocated to sit on the bench as Cherry-Evans took his place.{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Laine |date=2018-07-10 |title=Hunt was angry after Origin demotion |url=http://www.espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id/24053390/hunt-was-angry-origin-demotion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720051959/http://www.espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id/24053390/hunt-was-angry-origin-demotion |archive-date=2018-07-20 |access-date=2018-07-20 |website=ESPN.com.au}} Hunt was part of the St. George Illawarra side which qualified for the finals for the first time since 2015 finishing 7th on the table at the end of the regular season. In week one, St. George Illawarra defeated Brisbane 48–18 in a shock victory at Suncorp Stadium with Hunt starring for the saints. The following week against Souths, Hunt scored a try but was heavily criticised after the match as Souths won 13–12. This was in relation to the final minute of the match with the scores locked at 12-12 as instead of kicking the ball downfield, Hunt elected to run the ball on the final tackle which handed possession over to Souths in good field position and ended with Adam Reynolds kicking the winning field goal. After the match, Hunt told the media "It was a pretty big error by me, to be honest". Parramatta legend Peter Sterling labelled it the "dumbest play of the year" the following day on Nine's Sunday Footy Show.{{Cite web |date=2018-09-17 |title=Ben Hunt concedes 'big error' on final play against Rabbitohs, heads home to QLD to clear his head |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/dragons/ben-hunt-concedes-big-error-on-final-play-against-rabbitohs-heads-home-to-qld-to-clear-his-head/news-story/3dbdb197be1b79d55a9fd30acad13868 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919064451/https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/dragons/ben-hunt-concedes-big-error-on-final-play-against-rabbitohs-heads-home-to-qld-to-clear-his-head/news-story/3dbdb197be1b79d55a9fd30acad13868 |archive-date=2018-09-19 |access-date=2018-09-29 |website=Fox Sports Australia |language=en-AU}}{{Cite news |last=Walter |first=Brad |date=2018-09-12 |title=When Hunt knew the Dragons were back on track |work=National Rugby League |url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/09/12/the-moment-that-convinced-ben-hunt-the-st-george-illawarra-dragons-were-back-on-track/ |url-status=live |access-date=2018-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912142839/https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/09/12/the-moment-that-convinced-ben-hunt-the-st-george-illawarra-dragons-were-back-on-track/ |archive-date=2018-09-12}}
=2019=
In Round 5 against Canterbury-Bankstown, Hunt scored two tries as St. George Illawarra won the match 40–4 at Kogarah Oval. Hunt was later selected for Queensland in the 2019 State of Origin series and played in all 3 games as Queensland lost the series 2–1. In the wake of St. George Illawarra's Round 18 loss against Penrith which ended in a 40–18 defeat, coach Paul McGregor came under intense criticism after he elected to rest Hunt from playing citing player welfare.{{Cite web |last=Encarnacion |first=Matt |date=2019-07-25 |title=Dragons coach Paul McGregor defends decision to rest Ben Hunt |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/dragons/dragons-coach-paul-mcgregor-defends-decision-to-rest-ben-hunt/news-story/17af83282967e957ee2014e54518dcde/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726234850/https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/dragons/dragons-coach-paul-mcgregor-defends-decision-to-rest-ben-hunt/news-story/17af83282967e957ee2014e54518dcde/ |archive-date=2019-07-26 |access-date=2019-07-25 |website=Fox Sports}}{{Cite news |last=Pengilly |first=Adam |date=2019-06-23 |title=Trbojevic and Addo-Carr lead origin try spree |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/trbojevic-and-addo-carr-lead-try-spree-as-blues-level-series-in-perth-20190623-p520gn.html/ |url-access=limited}}{{Cite news |last=Parkinson |first=Andrew |date=2019-04-14 |title=St George Illawarra Dragons hand Canterbury Bulldogs 40-4 drubbing at Kogarah |work=St George & Sutherland Shire Leader |url=https://www.theleader.com.au/story/6043622/report-dragons-make-it-three-in-a-row-after-thrashing-bulldogs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416183451/https://www.theleader.com.au/story/6043622/report-dragons-make-it-three-in-a-row-after-thrashing-bulldogs/ |archive-date=2019-04-16}}
In round 25 against the Gold Coast, Hunt scored 2 tries as St. George Illawarra won the match 24–16 in the final game of the season as the club finished a disappointing 15th on the table.{{Cite web |last=Webeck |first=Tony |date=2019-09-07 |title=Dragons overpower Titans in Widdop's final NRL game |url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/09/07/dragons-overpower-titans-in-widdops-final-nrl-game/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909052607/https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/09/07/dragons-overpower-titans-in-widdops-final-nrl-game/ |archive-date=2019-09-09 |access-date=2019-09-11 |website=NRL.com}}
On 30 September, Hunt was named at hooker in the Australia PM XIII side. On 7 October, Hunt was named in the Australian side for the 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s and the upcoming Oceania Cup fixtures.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}
=2020=
He made a total of 19 appearances for St. George Illawarra in the 2020 NRL season as the side finished a disappointing 13th on the table.{{Cite news |last=O'Loughlin |first=Liam |date=2020-10-26 |title=NRL 2020 Season Review: How will your side fare next year? |work=Sporting News |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/league/news/nrl-2020-season-review-rugby-league-dragons-broncos-titans-tigers-knights-sharks-roosters-eels-rabbitohs-raiders-panthers-storm/k79lmelm2xgj1ffsf8xh7phob/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026175328/https://www.sportingnews.com/au/league/news/nrl-2020-season-review-rugby-league-dragons-broncos-titans-tigers-knights-sharks-roosters-eels-rabbitohs-raiders-panthers-storm/k79lmelm2xgj1ffsf8xh7phob/ |archive-date=2020-10-26}}
=2021=
In round 2 of the 2021 NRL season, Hunt put in a man of the match performance as St. George Illawarra defeated North Queensland 25-18 at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium.{{Cite news |date=2021-03-21 |title=South Sydney opens NRL winning account against Manly Sea Eagles, Ben Hunt and Dragons bounce back against Cowboys |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-20/south-sydney-open-nrl-winning-account-against-manly/100019026/ |url-status=live |access-date=2021-03-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320220046/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-20/south-sydney-open-nrl-winning-account-against-manly/100019026/ |archive-date=2021-03-20}} Hunt was later selected as the reserve player for Queensland in Game 1 of the 2021 State of Origin series.{{Cite web |last=Kennedy |first=Chris |date=2021-06-09 |title=State of Origin I: How they'll line up - Final teams announced |url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/05/31/state-of-origin-i-how-theyll-line-up/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707225345/https://www.nrl.com/news/2021/05/31/state-of-origin-i-how-theyll-line-up/ |archive-date=2021-07-07 |access-date=2021-07-08 |website=National Rugby League}}
Hunt scored two tries in the third game to help prevent a clean sweep of the series and received the title of 'man of the match' for his performance.{{Cite news |last=McMurty |first=Andrew |date=2021-07-14 |title=Footy reacts as Ben Hunt shuts down NSW’s historic Origin sweep |work=News.com.au |url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin/footy-reacts-as-ben-hunt-shuts-down-nsws-historic-origin-sweep/news-story/7532081c88cccda3ba10ec6b889b8c7b |url-status=live |access-date=2021-07-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715093717/https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/state-of-origin/footy-reacts-as-ben-hunt-shuts-down-nsws-historic-origin-sweep/news-story/7532081c88cccda3ba10ec6b889b8c7b |archive-date=2021-07-15}}
On 2 August, it was announced that Hunt would miss at least four matches after breaking his arm in the club's 50-14 loss against South Sydney.{{Cite web |last=St John |first=Mark |date=2021-08-02 |title=Dragons cop huge finals blow as Hunt sidelined with broken arm: Casualty Ward |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2021-casualty-ward-round-20-reagan-campbellgillard-eels-vs-roosters-hamstring-injuries-return-dates-ins-and-outs/news-story/ddbb2d3e40a7d893c285246523ce2819/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802215807/https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2021-casualty-ward-round-20-reagan-campbellgillard-eels-vs-roosters-hamstring-injuries-return-dates-ins-and-outs/news-story/ddbb2d3e40a7d893c285246523ce2819/ |archive-date=2021-08-02 |access-date=2021-08-03 |website=Fox Sports}}
=2022=
Hunt captained St. George Illawarra for the second year, receiving praise for his consistent performances to start the season.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-27 |title=‘He’s paying for it now’: From maligned to ‘magnificent’ as Ben Hunt buries million-dollar myth |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/dragons/nrl-2022-ben-hunt-st-george-illawarra-dragons-form-contract-value-star-buries-milliondollar-myth/news-story/49e3e78bf352b0f109437a148c5f5859 |access-date=2023-10-12 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}} This included leading his side to a Round 7 victory against the Sydney Roosters on ANZAC Day. For his efforts, Hunt earned the Ashton Collier Spirit of Anzac Medal and received the title of 'man of the match'.{{Cite news |date=2022-04-25 |title=Dragons hold off fast-finishing Roosters to post Anzac Day victory |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-25/nrl-dragons-beat-roosters-in-anzac-day-match/101014632 |access-date=2023-10-12}} As a result of his excellent start to the season, Hunt was named as starting hooker in the 2022 State of Origin series and was placed at the top of the Dally M medal leaderboard as of Round 12 of the 2022 season.{{Cite web |last=NRL.com|date=2022-05-30 |title=NRL Round 12 Wrap-Up: Hunt takes lead in Dally M voting|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/05/29/nrl-wrap-up-round-12/ |website=nrl.com}} Hunt scored the final try in the third game, thereby securing the win for the Queensland Maroons. In round 19 of the 2022 NRL season, Hunt scored two tries for St. George Illawarra in a 20-6 victory over Manly.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-22/nrl-live-score-updates/101262372/|title=Ben Hunt leads St George Illawarra to win over Manly, Roosters move into top eight with big win over Newcastle|website=www.abc.net.au}}
Hunt placed third in the overall Dally M leaderboard for the year and was selected for the Australia national rugby league team following the end of the regular NRL season. He also received the Dragons Player of the Year medal for the second consecutive season, acknowledging his stellar 2022 {{cite web|url=https://www.dragons.com.au/news/2022/10/06/hunt-honoured-to-receive-second-consecutive-dragons-medal/|title=Hunt honoured to receive second consecutive Dragons medal|website=www.dragons.com.au}}
On 6 October, Hunt signed a two-year contract extension to remain at St. George Illawarra until the end of 2025.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2022-transfer-centre-trent-loiero-alec-macdonald-tom-eisenhuth-melbourne-storm-contracts-player-movement/news-story/077b74d436db1564682e683b1da0a1c5/|title=Eels enforcer handed huge extension as Warriors recruit unveiled: NRL Transfer Centre|website=www.foxsports.com.au}}
Hunt was later voted as the clubs player of the season at the St. George Illawarra awards night.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/nrl-2022-every-clubs-player-year-and-award-winners/vnqwovo6lnfhbxceiynh8zh0/|title=NRL 2022: Every club's Player of the Year and award winners|website=www.sportingnews.com}}
Hunt was selected by Australia for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. Hunt played for Australia in their 2021 Rugby League World Cup final victory over Samoa.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2022/nov/19/australia-v-samoa-rugby-league-world-cup-final-live/|title=Australia 30-10 Samoa: Rugby League World Cup final – as it happened|website=www.theguardian.com}}
=2023=
In round 11 of the 2023 NRL season, Hunt played his 300th first grade game in St. George Illawarra's 42-22 loss against North Queensland.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-13/nrl-live-scores-souths-tigers-cowboys-dragons-raiders-eels/102332720/|title=Raiders beat Parramatta Eels in Canberra, Rabbitohs and Cowboys also win|website=www.abc.net.au}}
On 22 May, Hunt was selected by Queensland for game one of the 2023 State of Origin series.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/au/rugby-league/news/state-origin-2023-game-1-predicted-team-lists-nsw-queensland/dvvuwzqctdvlfmxj0lqop92k/|title=Game 1 confirmed team lists for NSW and Queensland|website=www.sportingnews.com}}
In June, Hunt requested an immediate release from his St. George Illawarra contract. It was reported that Hunt, became unhappy after head coach, Anthony Griffin, was sacked by the club. On 26 June, Hunt's request to be released by St. George Illawarra was denied by the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/06/26/dragons-provide-update-regarding-ben-hunts-future/|title=Dragons provide update regarding Ben Hunt's future|website=www.nrl.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-ben-hunt-release-request-st-george-illawarra-dragons-payment-150000-to-leave-shane-flanagan-titans-bulldogs-queensland-club/news-story/24ae07a164de9f7ba6e3b66283f6de22/|title=Dragons must ‘hang their heads in shame’ if they accept ‘unheard of’ offer to release Hunt|website=www.foxsports.com.au}}
Hunt would play a total of 22 games for the club in the 2023 NRL season as they finished 16th on the table.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-st-george-illawarra-dragons-end-of-season-review-brutal-review-rugby-league-news-ben-hunt-shane-flanagan/news-story/876c40f7fc8f8cf09cf2c720499f7db2/|title=Hunt call that could define Flanagan era; glaring hole that must be filled: Brutal Review|website=www.foxsports.com.au}}
=2024=
In May, Hunt was selected by Queensland for the 2024 State of Origin series. In game one, Hunt scored two tries in Queensland's 38-10 victory over New South Wales.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2024/jun/05/state-of-origin-2024-game-1-nsw-blues-v-queensland-maroons-live/|title=State of Origin 2024 Game One: Queensland Maroons beat NSW Blues – live reaction|website=www.theguardian.com}}
Hunt played 22 games for St. George Illawarra in the 2024 NRL season as the club finished 11th on the table.{{cite web|url=https://www.nine.com.au/sport/nrl/the-mole-st-george-illawarra-dragons-2024-what-went-wrong-season-review-20240910-p5k9kr.html/|title=The Mole's end-of-season review: 'Bullies' exposed as big-money Dragons forward called out|website=www.nine.com.au}}
On 30 October, Hunt was released from the final year of his contract with the club. St. George Illawarra CEO Ryan Webb said in a statement to the media "“This decision was not easy and was not taken lightly, but we need to do what is best for the club at this time, after extensive discussions with Ben and his management, it became clear that this is the best path forward for both parties. It allows the club to openly explore the player market and focus on the future. Ben has been an important part of our club and we are grateful for his contributions. We wish him and his family all the best in their next chapter".{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/st-georgeillawarra-has-terminated-the-2025-contract-of-captain-ben-hunt/news-story/8c0d7daf2e338a7c3b1ba2e4c3fd8b97/|title=St George-Illawarra terminates 2025 contract of captain Ben Hunt|website=www.news.com.au}} On 26 November, it was announced that Hunt had agreed to terms to return to the Brisbane Broncos on a two-year deal.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-26 |title=Michael Maguire gets his man in huge coup as Bunt Hunt returns home to Broncos on two-year deal |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2024-ben-hunt-joins-brisbane-broncos-on-twoyear-deal-michael-maguire-how-much-is-it-worth-transfer-news/news-story/6d20a711a8fe53cb139738590ed5a44a |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Fox Sports |language=en}} Hunt said during his re-signing with Brisbane, the entire seven years he was away from the club he had watched every single game that they had played.{{Cite web |author=Staff Writer |date=2024-11-26 |title=Dozer To Deliver Depth To Red Hill |url=https://www.broncos.com.au/news/20242/11/26/dozer-to-deliver-depth-to-red-hill/ |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Brisbane Broncos |language=en}}
Statistics
| class="wikitable" style="border-collapse:collapse;text-align:center" | ||||||
| Season | Team | Pld | T | G | FG | |P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | rowspan="9"| {{leagueicon|Brisbane|23}} Brisbane Broncos | 2 | - | - | - | 0 |
| 2010 | 20 | 2 | - | - | 8 | |
| 2011 | 19 | 1 | - | - | 4 | |
| 2012 | 25 | 1 | - | - | 4 | |
| 2013 | 23 | 2 | - | - | 8 | |
| 2014 | 25 | 13 | 21 | - | 94 | |
| 2015 | 26 | 12 | 4 | - | 56 | |
| 2016 | 26 | 7 | - | - | 28 | |
| 2017 | 21 | 7 | - | - | 28 | |
| 2018 | rowspan="7" | {{leagueicon|St. George Illawarra Dragons|23}} St. George Illawarra Dragons | 25 | 7 | - | - | 28 |
| 2019 | 21 | 8 | 1 | 1
|33 | ||
| 2020 | 19 | 1 | - | |4 | ||
| 2021 | 15 | 5 | - | |20 | ||
| 2022 | 23 | 6 | - | |24 | ||
| 2023
|22 |7 |1 | |30 | ||||||
| 2024
|22 |4 | | |16 | ||||||
| 2025
|{{leagueicon|Brisbane|23}} Brisbane Broncos | | | | | | ||||||
| Totals | 334 | 84 | 30 | 1 | 397 |
Personal life
Despite growing up in Queensland, Hunt is a self-proclaimed Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks fan. As a youngster he idolised Mat Rogers which was the reason he supported the Sharks. Hunt has also cited Andrew Johns as the player who most influenced his game.{{Cite web |title=Broncos TV Video |url=https://www.broncos.com.au/default.aspx?s=bronco-tv&vid=331999 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110220030353/https://www.broncos.com.au/default.aspx?s=bronco-tv&vid=331999 |archive-date=2011-02-20 |website=Brisbane Broncos |publisher=National Rugby League}}
Hunt's brother-in-law is his former Brisbane Broncos teammate and current North Queensland Cowboys hooker Jake Granville, with Granville being married to Hunt’s sister, Zoe. Hunt's wife, Bridget, is the niece of former Queensland player and coach Michael Hagan.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
{{Brisbane Broncos Current|state=expanded}}
{{Australia squad - 2014 Rugby League Four Nations}}
{{Australia 2017 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{Australia 2019 Rugby League World Cup 9s squad}}
{{Australia 2021 Rugby League World Cup squad}}
{{2008 National Youth Competition Team of the Year}}
{{Rugby league footballers with 300 NRL games}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hunt, Ben}}
Category:Australia national rugby league team players
Category:Australian rugby league players
Category:Brisbane Broncos players
Category:Central Queensland Capras players
Category:Norths Devils players
Category:Prime Minister's XIII players
Category:Queensland Rugby League State of Origin players
Category:Rugby league halfbacks
Category:Rugby league players from Rockhampton, Queensland
Category:St. George Illawarra Dragons players