Wayne Bennett has reportedly shot down suggestions that Souths have made a play to bring a second Broncos player to the club alongside Payne Haas. Rumours have been swirling that Bennett could be keen on premiership-winning veteran Ben Hunt after the 36-year-old stated he’s keen to keep playing in 2027.
Adam Reynolds is retiring at the end of 2026, but the Broncos have Jonah Pezet arriving from Parramatta to partner Ezra Mam in the halves. Brisbane also have young guns Tom Duffy, Blake Mozer and Cameron Bukowski waiting in the wings, but Hunt insists he won’t be retiring.
Wayne Bennett (L) has shut down rumours that Souths are keen on Ben Hunt to join Payne Haas (R) at Souths. Image: Getty
On Wednesday, Broncos legend Corey Parker said it wouldn’t be smart for the club to re-sign Hunt considering the young guns they coming through. Parker repeated the rumour that Souths could be keen on Hunt for a one-year deal.
“There’s a rumour going around that Bennet has asked for Hunt and his services at Souths for a year,” Parker said on SEN radio. “(Jamie) Humphries and (Cody) Walker haven’t been re-signed at Souths…it could be a reverse Reynolds (who went from Souths to Brisbane).”
Ben Hunt is keen to go around again in 2027.
(Getty Images)
But The Courier Mail reported on Thursday that Bennett has categorically denied the claim and “confirmed Souths won’t be making a play” for him. Hunt and Bennett have worked together during previously stints at the Broncos.
Corey Parker urges Broncos not to re-sign Ben Hunt
Parker said on Wednesday he can’t see why the Broncos would re-sign Hunt for 2027. “The game is not going to slow down and Ben’s speed is behind him,” said the Brisbane legend. “It’s a difficult one. I’m friends with him. I love everything he provides. It’s just a fine line. You have to make those calls sometimes.
“At some point the Broncos have to decide the angle they go with. Maybe they don’t offer a contract and put the money into the younger ones. His wisdom and knowledge you can’t replace. It just can’t come at the cost of younger players.”
Parker pointed out that Hunt is currently sidelined with a knee injury. “It pains me because I love Benny Hunt,” he said. “From a business point of view, at 38, he’s been on the sidelines now for eight weeks. I’m reluctant to throw a contact at him if there’s an option to bring through young guys.”