The Brisbane Broncos are ushering in a new era of leadership under rookie coach Michael Maguire. In a bold move, Maguire has named returning playmaker Ben Hunt as co-captain alongside incumbent skipper Adam Reynolds for the 2025 NRL season.
Hunt, who spent the last seven seasons with the St George Illawarra Dragons, is back at Red Hill and ready to take on a senior role. Maguire, who coached Reynolds to a premiership at South Sydney in 2014, is putting his faith in the experienced duo to lead the Broncos back to the top.
Maguire Backs Hunt and Reynolds
“I’ve always said Reyno is a leader, and it’s very clear to me that this group of players really enjoy playing with him, but importantly, for him,” Maguire declared. The coach, who has a long history with Reynolds, believes he has the “right pieces of the puzzle” in place with his new-look leadership group.
In addition to Hunt and Reynolds, the senior leadership group includes representative stars Pat Carrigan, Payne Haas, and Kotoni Staggs. Maguire is confident this mix of youth and experience will drive standards both on and off the field.
“Everyone brings something different to the table in terms of the way they go about their business, that’s what makes special teams.”
Michael Maguire, Brisbane Broncos Head Coach
Hunt Completes the Circle
For Ben Hunt, being named co-captain is a significant endorsement from the coach who first gave him his NRL debut jersey over a decade ago. “I feel like it’s gone full circle with Madge,” Hunt reflected. “He obviously gave me my debut jersey and now, I’m a little older but he’s still showing faith in me.”
Hunt’s leadership will be crucial early in the season, with dynamic young five-eighth Ezra Mam sidelined through suspension. The 33-year-old is likely to partner Reynolds in the halves, reforming the combination that took the Rabbitohs to glory in 2014.
Broncos Tested in Brutal Boot Camp
The captaincy call comes just a week after the Broncos were put through their paces in a grueling three-day, police-style boot camp. Players admitted the camp pushed them to their limits both physically and mentally as Maguire aims to fast-track the team’s development.
With Hunt and Reynolds at the helm, and the rest of the leadership group setting the standard, the Broncos are hellbent on a return to the NRL’s upper echelon. Only time will tell if Maguire’s bold captaincy move will be the catalyst for a new era of success at Red Hill.
