"The player he is today": How the 2015 Grand Final shaped Ben Hunt for the better

When Ben Hunt’s time at the Broncos is discussed, the 2015 grand final loss is often the key talking point.

However, now that Hunt is returning to Brisbane, former teammate Andrew McCullough has opened up on how that fateful loss shaped Hunt’s career.

McCullough played with Hunt in the 2015 decider, often remembered for Johnathan Thurston’s golden point field goal and Hunt’s dropped kick-off, and revealed on SEN 1170 Afternoons how that moment shaped the former Dragons’ captain career for the better.

“People may look at it as a negative, I think it’s made Ben (Hunt) the player he is today,” McCullough said.

“A lot of other guys would probably turn their back, become a shell of themselves. He’s probably used it as a motivator, as a catalyst to sort of bounce back and perform at his best and… keep his doubters at bay and keep being the best footballer he can.

“He also got to see how important family is around him… he's really set himself up now for not just footy for the next couple of years but life after that.”

McCullough also discussed how Hunt’s story has a lot to teach up and coming halves.

“It's a great lesson for young halves coming through,” McCullough offered.

“He started at 24. It shows you the road there isn’t all smooth sailing. But as you look back, it’s a great reflection story to give advice to other kids coming through to say it's not all rainbows all the time.

“I think there's a lot of good lessons amongst the whole story.”

Hunt will get first crack at his second chance against the Roosters in Round 1 on March 6.