Should the Broncos extend Ben Hunt?

The Brisbane Broncos should be reluctant to hand Ben Hunt a one-year extension, according to Corey Parker who made the bold claim despite the pair’s great friendship.

Days after Hunt confirmed his intent to seek an extension to his contract amid rumours he would follow teammate Adam Reynolds into retirement, Parker said it would not make good business sense for Brisbane to keep him on their books.

It seems the Broncos may have started negotiations with the 360-gamer, but is that in the best interests of the club which has copped a decent number of blows already this year?

Payne Haas confirmed he would move to Souths at season’s end, Reynolds is calling time and Ben Te’o dropped a bombshell by handing in his resignation last month.

Despite the double departure, the arrival of Jonah Pezet for 2027 leaves little space in a tight salary cap.

“I’m a great mate of Benny Hunt’s,” Parker said on SENQ Breakfast. “But I don’t know that there’s a need to re-sign him – there’s enough people in that organisation to nurture and bring young guys through.

“I would be reluctant to sign Ben Hunt; he will be 38 years of age and would be the oldest running around in the NRL.

“He would be making $500k minimum; Walters, Pezet, Duffy and the younger brigade can have their money beefed up to hold them at the club. You don’t need a lot to say ‘we see a future with you, you can use some of Hunt’s money’.

“You have to put yourself as a business first; think if I’m paying him X, am I getting Y back?”

While Parker has questioned the Broncos’ intent regarding Hunt it seems the veteran would not be short of suitors.

Souths have reportedly offer Hunt a 12-month deal while PNG Chiefs also approached him, Reynolds and Ezra Mam.

“It pains me because I love Benny Hunt; 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.

“There’s a rumour going around that Bennet has asked for Hunt and his services at Souths for a year. Humphries and Walker haven’t been resigned at Souths; it could be a reverse Reynolds.

“The game is not gonna slow down and Ben’s speed is behind him.”

One option is for the broncos to consider a coaching role for Hunt.

"It’s a difficult one," Parker continued. "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.

Could he transition into player-coach? Absolutely. His wisdom and knowledge you cant replace. It just cant come at the cost of younger players."