Ben Hunt has become Brisbane’s indispensable man as coach Michael Maguire faces a big decision on Ezra Mam for the NRL preliminary final against Penrith.<\/p>\n
Mam slotted into the five-eighth position late in an opposed session and in and out of the number six spot in team drills at training on Monday, as he nears a return from a hamstring injury on Sunday at Lang Park.<\/p>\n
Captain Adam Reynolds is set to return at halfback from a hamstring injury of his own, while Hunt, who can play number six or number nine with equal aplomb, spent most of his time in the halves at training.<\/p>\n
There was a mix-and-match feel about the halves in the training drills outside of the team run, with Maguire rotating all three of his playmakers.<\/p>\n
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Cory Paix threw a scare into the Broncos camp when he jarred his back late in the training session. (AAP: Jason O\u2019Brien, file photo)<\/p>\n
Cory Paix was at hooker for the opposed session until almost the end when a jarring of his back led to him stepping out and Hunt slotting in.<\/p>\n
It all added to the melting pot of possible combinations.<\/p>\n
Mam could be a lethal number 14 to inject when the sting goes out of the game.<\/p>\n
The good news from an observer’s point of view was that he appeared to be moving well.<\/p>\n
The Panthers will be wary of him after his magnificent hat-trick of tries in the 2023 grand final, won 26-24 by Penrith thanks to the genius of Nathan Cleary.<\/p>\n
Starting two halves on the way back from hamstring tears may be a risk too great to take for Maguire against the four-time defending premiers if there is any lingering doubt over either.<\/p>\n
That’s why 35-year-old Hunt has proven such a valuable signing for the Broncos.<\/p>\n
His versatility has become even more important with the ACL injury suffered by Billy Walters, who was also effective at five-eighth or hooker.<\/p>\n
Hunt’s presence will allow Maguire to play Mam off the bench if he should choose to do so.<\/p>\n
Tyson Smoothy was operating as a middle forward at training and may be used as a lock at various stages with Pat Carrigan suspended.<\/p>\n