Hunt is in the top echelon of NRL earners – alongside Daly Cherry-Evans, Kalyn Ponga, David Fifita, Nathan Cleary, James Tedesco, Jason Taumalolo and Tom Trbojevic – but there was a time when he wanted to earn far less .
However, after playing against the Roosters in an Anzac Day outburst, Hunt said he finally came to terms with the scrutiny attached to his pay package following his high-profile stint at the Broncos’ Red V.
“I’m done with that now, but it was pretty frustrating to be honest. You are only worth what someone is willing to pay you.
Ben Hunt
“I’m done with it now, but it was quite frustrating [initially] to be honest,” Hunt said. “You are only worth what someone is willing to pay you.
“I understand that if you get paid everyone expects you to deliver every week and show up and play football. But when you pull it off, you’re not the only player on the field.
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“There have been times over the past two years where I felt like I didn’t even want to play anymore. I thought: ‘I’ve had enough’. You just got over it.
“But it’s always in the back of your mind: ‘I love football. I want to play, so why would I stop playing? When it gets relentless, and I’m sure it’s been that way for Brooksy for quite a while, you start to question yourself.
Hunt may be in the twilight of his career but has no intention of hanging up his boots when his contract with the Dragons runs out at the end of next year.
St George Illawarra have groomed young playmakers Junior Amone and Jayden Sullivan through their system, but Hunt is ready to start contract talks beyond 2023.
“I don’t feel like I want to be done with this anytime soon,” he said. “I always get asked the old Redcliffe question and I guess that’s understandable. I’m having fun here right now and I still have 18 months to go, and I’m sure the conversations will start in the next few months.
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