Rare 400-game club tempts ‘happy’ Hunt to extend Broncos stay

Ben Hunt is tempted to play on beyond the 2026 expiry date in his Brisbane Broncos contract, with the record-breaking chance to join Cameron Smith in the 400-game club one of the biggest reasons why.

Should Hunt stick around with the Broncos through to 2027, he should hit that 400-game marker.

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Breaching the four-century appearances haul would set him alongside Smith — unquestionably a future Immortal — as one of the only two players to have played that many matches in premiership history. And, even as he plays on at the ripe old age of 35, Hunt is pretty sure he “can keep playing for a couple more years” yet.

“I am still loving it. I am still enjoying my footy. I love the club,” Hunt said.

At the moment I feel like I can [play on to 2027]… but we will see how we are going.”

Even without a Broncos extension, Hunt should make it to second on the all-time list; Cooper Cronk ranks second right now with 372 games, which Hunt could crack by the end of Brisbane’s next campaign.

“It is amazing [to think 400 games is achievable], but it is still a long way away. I’ll get through this year first,” Hunt added.

Maybe one of the biggest factors outside the record is the fact Hunt’s back on home turf with the Broncos after seven years in Sydney and Illawarra with the Dragons. Brisbane originally signed the 35-year-old while he was still studying at school and his return had a “romantic” flavour to it that Hunt says has re-sparked his love of footy.

“I am definitely very happy to be back,” the veteran playmaker said.

“I am enjoying being coached by Madge [Michael Maguire]. “It is a good group of boys.”