Ben Hunt faces increasing pressure for Broncos starting halfback from Benji Marshall and Kodi Nikorima
Peter Badel, The Courier-Mail
June 6, 2017 5:49pm
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BEN Hunt is fighting for his starting spot at the Broncos, with coach Wayne Bennett revealing a rejuvenated Benji Marshall is putting pressure on Brisbane’s first-choice halfback.
Bennett told
The Courier-Mail he was considering starting Marshall in a full-strength Broncos side after his slick form in the past fortnight amid Brisbane’s traditional State of Origin grind.
Hunt, who will join the Dragons next season on a $6 million deal, has lost two consecutive games since his return from injury and must pilot Brisbane to victory against Souths this Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
Bennett signed Marshall to a shock $100,000 deal last October with a view to the veteran playmaker helping out during an Origin period that annually decimates Brisbane’s starting side.
But
Marshall’s superb display against the Roosters last week, headlined by a try and two try assists, has impressed Bennett and turned up the heat on the Anthony Milford-Hunt scrumbase alliance.
Hunt was named at halfback on Tuesday, with Marshall at No.19 for the Souths clash, but Bennett will wait until Brisbane’s captain’s run on Thursday to finalise his 17-man squad.
“Benji is keeping them honest,” Bennett said of his four-way scrumbase battle that includes supersub Kodi Nikorima.
“Competition makes such a difference, it brings out the best in everyone.
“We have Anthony and Ben as our halves, but there’s Benji and Kodi and I’m watching all of them.
“Benji can play halfback, five-eighth, centre and fullback so he gives me options. I’ll make a final decision on the team on Thursday.”
The Courier-Mail understands classy five-eighth Milford, who made his Queensland Origin debut last Wednesday, is under no threat.
But Hunt is not a selection untouchable, with Bennett impressed by the development of Nikorima, who won five straight games as a starting halfback while Hunt nursed a hamstring injury.
The super coach also lauded the 32-year-old Marshall’s off-field attitude,
which is set to deliver the former Kiwi Test skipper a 12-month contract extension at Red Hill.
“Benji is just what we needed at this time of year, that’s why I wanted him,” he said. “He was one of the stars of the game in his prime and he hasn’t lost that, he still has the desire for it.
“He has been wonderful for this club, I can’t fault the contribution he has made since he came here. I am pleased with the opportunities he’s had and hopefully he gets some more opportunities in the coming weeks.”
Broncos hooker Andrew McCullough said Marshall’s performances are evidence no player at Red Hill can take an NRL spot for granted.
“It’s a luxury having him,” he said. “I’m glad I’m not picking the team.
“It’s up to Wayne and he will pick the most balanced team we need to have.
“It’s a good headache to have, especially during this period. To have Benji’s experience is great ... it keeps everyone on their toes and keeps everyone performing.”
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