Corey Parker Urges Broncos to Let Ben Hunt Go Despite Friendship

Key facts

• Ben Hunt, 38, is seeking a one-year contract extension with the Brisbane Broncos.
• Corey Parker, a former teammate and close friend, publicly advised against re-signing Hunt.
• Payne Haas will leave for South Sydney at season's end.
• Adam Reynolds is retiring, and Ben Te'o resigned last month.
• Jonah Pezet will join the Broncos in 2027, tightening the salary cap.
• South Sydney has reportedly offered Hunt a 12-month deal.
• PNG Chiefs have approached Hunt, Reynolds, and Ezra Mam.
• Hunt has been sidelined for eight weeks with injury.

A Friend's Hard Truth

Corey Parker, a former Brisbane Broncos stalwart and close friend of Ben Hunt, has publicly urged the club not to offer Hunt a contract extension. Speaking on SENQ Breakfast, Parker said that while he loves Hunt, the Broncos must prioritize business over sentiment. "I'm a great mate of Benny Hunt's, but I don't know that there's a need to re-sign him," Parker said. Parker pointed to Hunt's age — he will turn 38 next season — and his current injury layoff of eight weeks as reasons for caution. "The game is not gonna slow down and Ben's speed is behind him," he added. Hunt, a 360-game veteran, has been sidelined since suffering an injury that has kept him out of action for two months.

The Business Case Against Hunt

Parker argued that re-signing Hunt would not make good business sense for a club already under salary cap strain. He estimated Hunt would command at least $500,000, money that could be used to retain younger talents like Ezra Mam, Jonah Pezet, and Jock Madden. "You don't need a lot to say 'we see a future with you, you can use some of Hunt's money'," Parker said. The Broncos are facing a tight cap with the arrival of Jonah Pezet in 2027 and the need to re-sign emerging players. Parker stressed that the club should think as a business: "If I'm paying him X, am I getting Y back?"

A Wave of Departures

The Broncos have been hit by a series of high-profile exits. Payne Haas confirmed he will join South Sydney at season's end, Adam Reynolds is retiring, and Ben Te'o dropped a bombshell by handing in his resignation last month. These departures leave gaps in experience and leadership, but Parker believes the club should look inward rather than retain an aging star. "There's enough people in that organisation to nurture and bring young guys through," Parker said. He suggested that the money saved from not re-signing Hunt could be used to "beef up" the contracts of younger players to keep them at the club.

Interest from Rivals

Despite Parker's reservations, Hunt is not short of suitors. South Sydney has reportedly offered the veteran a 12-month deal, with rumors that coach Wayne Bennett has specifically requested Hunt's services. The Rabbitohs have not yet re-signed halfbacks Lachlan Ilias and Blake Taaffe, creating an opening for Hunt. Additionally, the PNG Chiefs have approached Hunt, along with Reynolds and Mam, as they build their squad for the 2028 NRL entry. Hunt's experience would be valuable for the expansion franchise, but Parker warned that at 38, Hunt's best years are behind him.

The Salary Cap Squeeze

The Broncos' salary cap is under pressure from multiple directions. The departure of Haas frees up significant funds, but the arrival of Pezet in 2027 and the need to retain young stars like Mam and Reece Walsh will consume much of that space. Re-signing Hunt for even $500,000 would limit the club's flexibility. Parker argued that the Broncos should prioritize developing their young halves, including Walters, Pezet, and Duffy, rather than relying on a 38-year-old. "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," he said.

What Comes Next

The Broncos have reportedly started negotiations with Hunt, but Parker's comments may give the club pause. Hunt's injury layoff and age are significant risks, and the club must weigh the short-term benefit of his experience against the long-term cost of blocking young players. South Sydney's interest could force Brisbane's hand: if they do not offer a deal, Hunt may leave for a rival. The Broncos have until the end of the season to make a decision, with the NRL's June 30 deadline for contract registrations looming.

A Defining Choice for Brisbane

The Broncos face a defining moment in their roster management. With a wave of departures and a tight salary cap, the club must decide whether to invest in youth or retain a veteran leader. Parker's blunt assessment underscores the tension between loyalty and pragmatism in professional sport. "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 contract at him if there's an option to bring through young guys," Parker said. The Broncos' decision will signal their direction for the next era.

The bottom line

• Corey Parker, a close friend of Ben Hunt, publicly advised the Broncos not to re-sign him due to age and salary cap concerns.
• Hunt, 38, has been injured for eight weeks and would cost at least $500,000, limiting funds for younger players.
• The Broncos face a tight salary cap with the arrival of Jonah Pezet in 2027 and the need to retain emerging talents.
• South Sydney and PNG Chiefs have expressed interest in Hunt, giving him alternatives if Brisbane declines.
• The club must balance short-term experience against long-term development as it navigates a wave of departures.