In a pre-season trial match on February 22, 2025, the Brisbane Broncos showcased their revitalized spine, with Ben Hunt making a significant impact in their 18-0 victory over the Canterbury Bulldogs at Kayo Stadium. Hunt, who returned to the Broncos after a seven-year stint with the St George Illawarra Dragons, expressed his enthusiasm about rejoining the club where he began his NRL career. He remarked, “It does feel like I’m back where I belong… to be home now and playing where it all started, it’s something I’m really excited about.”
Hunt’s performance in the match was instrumental. He set up one try and provided the final pass for two others, demonstrating his playmaking prowess. His partnership with halfback Adam Reynolds and fullback Reece Walsh was particularly effective, with Walsh contributing a try assist and a 40/20 kick. Reynolds opened the scoring by capitalizing on a Bulldogs error, while Selwyn Cobbo, playing on the wing, added another try, solidifying his position change for the season.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm. Despite fielding key players like Stephen Crichton, Matt Burton, and Viliame Kikau, they were unable to breach the Broncos’ defense, highlighting the challenges they face as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Broncos coach Michael Maguire emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective despite the strong performance. He stated, “We’re not getting ahead of ourselves and no one should.”
Hunt’s return to the Broncos is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team’s leadership and experience. His previous tenure with the club, which included 187 games, and his subsequent success with the Dragons, position him as a key figure in Brisbane’s quest for their first premiership since 2006.
Overall, the match served as a promising preview of the Broncos’ potential for the 2025 season, with their new-look spine firing effectively against a Bulldogs side that will need to regroup ahead of the regular season.
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