'CAN'T GO PAST WHAT I SEE': BEN HUNT FACING THE AXE FOR ORIGIN OPENER AMID MIXED BRONCOS FORM

Ben Hunt Under Pressure for Maroons Spot as Tom Dearden Emerges as Top Contender

Ben Hunt’s place in Queensland’s State of Origin squad is under increasing scrutiny ahead of this month’s series opener, as the Brisbane Broncos’ inconsistent form adds to selection concerns.

The experienced halfback returned to Brisbane this season after a turbulent stint with St George Illawarra, where, despite his elite status and consistent selection at Origin level, team success proved elusive. While Hunt has delivered solid performances over the first nine rounds of the NRL season, recent defeats to the Warriors and Panthers have highlighted dips in form.

At 35, Hunt has primarily featured as a hooker or bench utility in recent Origin campaigns under coach Billy Slater. However, that role could soon shift, with growing support for Cowboys captain Tom Dearden to take over the No.14 jersey.

Former Queensland forward Corey Parker, who played alongside Hunt at both club and representative level, believes Dearden’s form is impossible to overlook.

“For the past decade, Ben Hunt has filled the No.14 role and done it well,” Parker said on SEN Radio. “But based on what I’ve seen, Tom Dearden deserves that spot.”

Dearden, who featured at five-eighth in all three Origin games last year, faces stiff competition from Cameron Munster, who is expected to reclaim the No.6 jersey. That leaves Dearden as a strong candidate for the utility role off the bench—an approach Queensland has previously employed with success using players like Cooper Cronk and Daly Cherry-Evans.

Coach Slater also has selection decisions to make in other areas, particularly the forward pack and backline. Parker believes Corey Horsburgh has earned a starting front-row position due to his consistent performances, while Tino Fa’asuamaleaui’s return is a massive boost for the Maroons.

“Having Tino back is huge—he was missing last year,” Parker said. “And Horsburgh has been really consistent, so he’s in my front row.”

Parker is also backing the in-form Jeremiah Nanai and Jaydn Su’A to start in the back row, citing their aggression and recent performances. Titans forward Beau Fermor is tipped by Parker as a potential debutant, despite Gold Coast’s struggles this season.