Superstar Reece Walsh was a one-year-old when Ben Hunt signed with Brisbane as a youth dreaming of winning a premiership with the glamour club.<\/p>\n
Nothing has changed on that front for him, except that 22 years later he is a veteran of the game and set to play his 350th NRL match against the Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday 24 August.<\/p>\n
The 35-year-old halfback, who will run out alongside talismanic fullback Walsh, has achieved everything in the game bar winning an elusive title.<\/p>\n
It is why his return to the Broncos this year, after almost a decade at St George Illawarra, had a large hint of \u201cunfinished business\u201d about it.<\/p>\n
Hunt won the Rugby League World Cup in 2022 as a starting hooker and has also slotted into the halves as a utility in his 15 Tests.<\/p>\n
He played half, hooker and off the bench in 20 State of Origin games for Queensland\u2026 and has been part of four series wins.<\/p>\n
Few players can achieve those heights in multiple positions and make it look as seamless as Hunt.<\/p>\n
It has been the same story throughout his NRL career, where he has proven to be the ultimate team man.<\/p>\n
The 2015 grand final, lost by the Broncos in golden point, is as close as he has come to lifting the trophy he craves most.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat will definitely seal it all. You play this game to win a premiership,\u201d Hunt said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have achieved a lot in my career, but that\u2019s the one I really want.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I can get that premiership in the next couple of years, it will be happy days.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hunt, typical of his career, started the season at No. 6, moved to hooker and is now back at halfback until captain Adam Reynolds returns from injury in a fortnight to boost the side\u2019s title tilt.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we get a couple of wins in our last few games and we seal a spot in the finals, then we get Reyno back,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI definitely think we have the troops there that can (win a competition). We just have to turn up and play our best game each week.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hunt was one of famous Broncos recruiter Cyril Connell\u2019s last signings at the age of just 13.<\/p>\n
He was a regular in Queensland schoolboy sides until the age of 18, a sign he was a born footballer and a consistent one.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He was the inaugural national under-20s player of the year while playing for Brisbane in 2008, winning a Toyota Camry for his efforts.<\/p>\n
It is fitting that his 350th NRL match, one day after Manly captain Daly Cherry-Evans reaches the milestone, should be in a Broncos jersey.<\/p>\n
Hunt will become the sixth player in history to hit the mark.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a very short list and something not many people have been able to achieve,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to pinch myself. It\u2019s something I\u2019m very proud of.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt makes it all the more special to do it in this jersey.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy career started at the Broncos and there are a lot of great memories in this place.<\/p>\n
\u201cOld Daly, he has snuck in there and got me by a day the old fella, but I am super happy for him as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
The match, on Old Boys\u2019 Day, kicks off at 2pm.<\/p>\n
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