When Ben Hunt runs out for his 350th NRL game against the Knights on Sunday, it will feel a long way from the fields of Blackwater where he first played rugby league.
A lot has happened since then, but a lot has stayed the same.
He’s still being photographed with a football in hand and a smile on his face, plus this week he even wore the same navy, yellow and red socks of his junior club.
Now, he has 16-years of NRL experience and has played 20 games for Queensland and 15 for the Australian Kangaroos.
This weekend, he adds to his list of achievements by becoming just the sixth player to reach 350 NRL games.
It’s an achievement he said a young Ben Hunt could only dream of.
“I’ve got to pinch myself to really understand that I've made it to that,” Hunt said.
“It’s a prestigious list… and a pretty short list too.
“My career started at the Broncos, I have a lot of great memories in this place, and I love the Club.
To be able to notch it up [350 games] in this jersey, it makes it all that more special.
Ben Hunt Broncos Veteran
Meet Ben Hunt
Hunt was a talented player from a young age and was named Player of the Year in the inaugural National Youth Competition Under-20 competition as an 18-year-old.
He made his NRL debut for the Broncos the following year in 2009 and from then onwards, he became an integral part of the Brisbane-based Club.
The now 35-year-old led the side through several finals’ campaigns which included the 2015 NRL Grand Final.
‘Dozer’ made his State of Origin debut for Queensland in the 2017 decider, and he has since gone on to join the esteemed 20-game club.
Hunt returned to the Broncos in 2025 following a stint with the Dragons and has again found himself in the number seven jersey as finals approach.
When asked about his longevity, Hunt said he has had “a fair bit of luck”.
“I feel like I've played with a lot of guys that were a lot more talented than me who were struck down by injuries and different things like that,” he said.
Hard work, good diet, trying to keep a grounded head, there's a lot that goes into it, but I think the big one is just staying healthy.
Ben Hunt Broncos Veteran
“I probably wasn't the best with my diet, until I found my wife, she straightened me out a fair bit.”
Hunt’s wife and other family members will be at the milestone game against the Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday.
He said the milestone would be their achievement too.
“They contributed so much to me throughout my career, right from the early days of mum and dad taking me to footy games and giving me every best opportunity to make it,” he said.
“All the coaches that I've had, everyone that's helped along the way, my wife and my kids, I definitely couldn't do it without any of them.
“Getting the accolades now, it's something that they can look back on as well.”
Despite his achievements, Hunt still has his sights set on one goal he’s yet to achieve.
“Winning a premiership would definitely seal it all,” he said.
“I’ve achieved a lot in my career, but that's one that you really want.
If I can get that premiership in the next couple of years, then it’d be happy days.
Ben Hunt Broncos Veteran
“I definitely think we've got the troops there that can do it, we've just got to turn up and play our best game each week.”
