Wayne Bennett Denies Souths Move For Ben Hunt Alongside Payne Haas
Wayne Bennett has shut down suggestions Souths made a play for Ben Hunt alongside payne haas. The denial trims one of the louder recruitment stories around the club and keeps the focus on where Hunt fits next as Brisbane weigh their halves options beyond 2026.
Bennett And Hunt
Corey Parker lit the fuse on Wednesday, saying on SEN radio: "There's a rumour going around that Bennet has asked for Hunt and his services at Souths for a year," He also floated a "reverse Reynolds" scenario after Adam Reynolds was set to retire at the end of 2026.
On Thursday, Bennett shot the claim down. Souths will not make a play for Hunt, ending speculation that the 36-year-old could join Payne Haas at the club and work again with Bennett after their previous Broncos stints.
Broncos Halves Picture
Hunt has also made his own position clear: he insists he will not be retiring. That keeps him in the market for 2027, which is the year that helped fuel the noise around Souths and the Broncos’ long-range planning.
Brisbane already have Jonah Pezet arriving from Parramatta to partner Ezra Mam in the halves, and they also have Tom Duffy, Blake Mozer and Cameron Bukowski waiting in the wings. That makes the next contract call around Hunt harder, not easier.
Parker’s Warning On Hunt
Parker argued it would not be smart for Brisbane to re-sign Hunt with younger players coming through. "The game is not going to slow down and Ben's speed is behind him," he said, adding, "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. His wisdom and knowledge you can't replace. It just can't come at the cost of younger players."
He also said, "It's a difficult one. I'm friends with him. I love everything he provides. It’s just a fine line. You have to make those calls sometimes." Parker then pointed to Hunt's recent availability, saying, "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." For Brisbane, the decision now sits between holding veteran experience and backing the next wave already on the roster.
